Bai Yulu & Larkov Win WSF Championships | World No.1s Crowned

Bai Yulu and Mykhailo Larkov Claim WSF Championship Titles in Sofia

The WSF Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, culminated on Friday with victories for Bai Yulu in the Women’s Championship and Mykhailo Larkov in the Junior Championship, setting the stage for the prestigious main event beginning Saturday.

Two significant trophies were awarded this week,marking a pivotal moment for both rising stars in the world of snooker. The WSF Women’s Championship and WSF Junior Championship served as compelling preludes to the flagship WSF Championship, which promises to award a coveted professional tour card to its winner.

Did you know?—The WSF Championship is a key pathway for amateur players to earn a professional tour card, offering a significant career boost.

Bai Yulu Continues Unstoppable Run

Bai Yulu extended her remarkable winning streak to 39 matches,dominating the WSF Women’s Championship with a decisive 4-0 victory over Ng On Yee in the final.The reigning women’s world champion didn’t concede a single frame throughout the entire tournament, showcasing her remarkable skill and consistency.

“Her dominance on the women’s circuit is undeniable,†noted one observer. This success secures Bai Yulu’s position as the new world number one in women’s snooker, a testament to her undefeated campaign throughout the 2025/26 season.

Her path to victory included a flawless round-robin stage,topping a group that included Ng with a perfect 5-0 record,each match ending with a 2-0 scoreline. Bai comfortably defeated Alexandra Ceruta in the quarter-finals and followed up with a 4-0 win against Narucha Phoemphul in the semi-finals. Ng On Yee reached the final after overcoming reigning champion Mink Nutcharut and Panchaya Channoi, but ultimately couldn’t challenge Bai’s commanding performance. This marks Bai Yulu’s fifth consecutive title, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.

Pro tip—Maintaining focus and consistency are crucial for success in snooker, as demonstrated by Bai Yulu’s undefeated run.

Larkov Earns Professional Card with Junior Championship Win

In the WSF Junior Championship, Mykhailo Larkov secured a two-year card for the professional main tour, beginning with the 2026/27 season, after defeating Wang Xinbo 5-2 in the final. The 17-year-old from Ukraine navigated a challenging tournament, emerging victorious from his round-robin group with three wins and one defeat.

Larkov’s knockout stage performances were equally remarkable, including a decisive win over Mikayel Nersisyan and a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Ayaan iqbal. He continued his momentum with wins over Wang Xinzhong and Prin Ratmukda, ultimately facing Wang Xinbo — another member of the Wang family — in the final. After sharing the opening two frames, Larkov seized control, winning three consecutive frames before Wang Xinbo mounted a comeback with a run of 75. However, a break of 60 in the seventh frame sealed the victory for the young Ukrainian. Previous champions of the WSF Junior Championship include notable players such as Gao Yang, Stan Moody, and Bulcsu Revesz.

Reader question—The WSF Junior Championship has launched the careers of several professional snooker players, including Gao Yang, Stan Moody, and Bulcsu Revesz.

What’s Next: The WSF Championship

The highly anticipated WSF Championship, considered the most prestigious international amateur prize in snooker, begins Saturday and runs until February 1. Live coverage will be available on the WPBSA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/WPBSA. The tournament champion will be awarded a two-year professional main tour card, offering a significant possibility for aspiring snooker professionals.