Chris Wakelin’s victory at the Scottish Open wasn’t just another ranking title; it was a testament to resilience forged in the face of extraordinary hardship. The 33-year-old snooker player dominated Chang Bingyu 9-2 in Edinburgh, unleashing a stunning eight-frame winning streak capped off with a masterful century break.
This triumph marks Wakelin’s second ranking title, but crucially, it’s his first beyond the rapid-fire format of the Shoot Out. The £100,000 prize represents the most significant win of his career, a reward for years of dedicated improvement. Over the last three years, he’s consistently risen through the ranks, reaching a World Championship quarter-final and a Saudi Arabia Masters semi-final.
But the path to the Stephen Hendry Trophy was anything but smooth. Just a week before the tournament, Wakelin battled pneumonia. Then, during the event itself, his baby daughter required a hospital visit, throwing his preparation into chaos. These weren’t the conditions conducive to peak performance, yet he persevered.
“We got up here on Sunday and on Tuesday lunchtime we were in hospital with her,” Wakelin revealed, speaking of his daughter Mia. Thankfully, swift action from the hospital staff restored her health, allowing Wakelin to refocus on the task at hand. He described a whirlwind five days, from fearing withdrawal to standing victorious, a stark contrast of emotions.
Sleep proved elusive the night before the final. His fiancée, Lucy, selflessly took a hotel room away from him, understanding his need for undisturbed rest. He confessed to lying awake, daring to dream of lifting the trophy with Mia and Lucy by his side – a dream that remarkably came true. The shared celebration made the victory all the more profound.
Chang Bingyu’s journey to the final was equally compelling, though ultimately unsuccessful. The 23-year-old Chinese player navigated a challenging path, defeating seasoned professionals like Stephen Maguire, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby. His run to the final was a breakthrough moment, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with.
Despite a disappointing final performance, Chang expressed satisfaction with his progress. He acknowledged the support of his parents and credited his recent success to a significant confidence boost from defeating top-tier players. He vowed to learn from the experience and return stronger.
Chang’s story, however, carries a deeper layer of complexity. He recently returned to the professional tour after serving a two-year ban related to a match-fixing scandal. He admitted to fixing a single match, but maintained he acted under duress from another player, Liang Wenbo, who received a lifetime ban.
Investigations revealed that Chang was pressured by Liang, who had placed substantial bets on the outcome. The tribunal acknowledged Chang’s youth, vulnerability, and genuine remorse, leading to a reduced ban. He cooperated fully with the investigation and demonstrated sincere regret for his actions.
Wakelin himself voiced support for Chang, believing he was unfairly caught in a situation orchestrated by others. He praised Chang’s talent and predicted a bright future for the young player, anticipating his return to major finals. Wakelin’s sportsmanship underscored the spirit of the game.
The Scottish Open final also marked a poignant farewell for Leo Scullion, a beloved referee who retired after 26 years on the professional circuit. Scullion, 67, chose to conclude his career at a home event in Scotland, reflecting on a distinguished career that included officiating at the Crucible and the World Championship final.
He spoke of the electric atmosphere at the Crucible, a feeling he would deeply miss. After a period away from the game, Scullion returned to refereeing in 2014, achieving career highlights like the 2016 Scottish Open final and the 2019 World Championship final. He departed knowing he had upheld the highest standards of his profession.
