Panchaya Channoi beats Reanne Evans in World Snooker Championship final

Thai teenager Panchaya Channoi has defeated Reanne Evans 6-2 to claim the Women’s World Snooker Championship title in Dongguan, China.

The 18-year-old comfortably outplayed the 12-time champion to secure the prestigious Mandy Fisher Trophy.

Evans was bidding for a record-extending 13th world crown but struggled to match the scoring power of her younger opponent.

Century breaks secure Thai victory

A stunning century break in the opening frame immediately set the tone for the newly crowned champion.

The Asian rising star remained firmly in control during the early stages to establish a 3-1 advantage.

Although the Englishwoman pulled a frame back to reduce the deficit, she was quickly punished by another outstanding display of break-building.

A magnificent clearance of 107 in the sixth frame restored a two-frame cushion before the teenager surged toward the finish line.

She claimed the seventh frame and sealed her historic triumph with a clinical break of 59 in the eighth.

Historic double marks new snooker era

This breakthrough victory ensures the prodigy becomes only the second competitor to achieve the world and Under-21 championship double.

She matches the remarkable feat accomplished by China’s Bai Yulu during the 2024 season.

The Dongguan success also makes her the third winner from Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of Mink Nutcharut and Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan.

Defeat marks the first time the 40-year-old veteran has ever lost a World Championship decider.

Widely regarded as the most successful competitor in the history of the women’s game, the English icon was playing in her first world final since 2019.