Bai Yulu, a 21-year-old from China, made history by becoming the first woman in the 21st century to win back-to-back matches at a ranking event. In the UK Championship second qualifying round, she defeated Jamie Jones with a score of 6-4. Bai showcased excellent skills with breaks of 70, 58, 56, and 68, outplaying the former Crucible quarter-finalist who is ranked 54th in the world.
This remarkable achievement comes after Bai’s victory over Farakh Ajaib in her opening match on Saturday. Her consecutive wins mark a significant milestone for women in snooker, with the last instance of this feat dating back to Kelly Fisher in the pre-qualifying rounds of the 1999 World Championship.
As the reigning world women’s champion, Bai is making her debut on the professional tour this season. Prior to her recent success, she had not secured a win on the main tour. Bai’s next challenge will be against Scott Donaldson on Tuesday at 09:30 GMT. With just two more victories, she could secure a spot in the final stages of the UK Championship in York, potentially facing one of the top-16 ranked players in the tournament.
Bai Yulu’s breakthrough in the UK Championship qualifying rounds not only showcases her talent and determination but also paves the way for more opportunities for women in snooker. Her impressive performance serves as an inspiration for aspiring female players looking to make their mark in the sport. The snooker community eagerly anticipates Bai’s upcoming matches and the possibility of her reaching new heights in her professional career.
