Bai and Mink Lead Women's Charge at English Open

It was another promising day for women’s snooker as Bai Yulu and Mink Nutcharut secured first-round wins at the English Open on Friday.

Bai, the current women’s world champion, edged past compatriot Liu Wenwei in a decider, crafting breaks of 76, 74, and 56. Later, world number one Nutcharut defeated Northern Ireland’s Robbie McGuigan 4-2.

Their victories continue a successful 2025/26 season for women on the professional tour. All four players from the World Women’s Snooker Tour have now recorded wins this term.

Although Ng On Yee—who made history in July by becoming the first woman to reach the last 32 of a ranking event—did not add another win this week, the Hong Kong player set a new record for the highest break by a woman on the main tour with a superb 137 on Thursday.

Bai and Nutcharut, who have met in the past two Women’s World Championship finals, will return to action on Sunday against Ricky Walden and Michael Holt, respectively.

Elsewhere, China’s Chang Bingyu delivered a statement performance with a 4-0 whitewash of Ireland’s Leone Crowley, featuring breaks of 134, 133, and 133.

Other players advancing to the last 96 included Liam Pullen, Farakh Ajaib, Alexander Ursenbacher, and Ben Mertens—who recorded a shutout win against Ashley Hugill.

The second round begins on Saturday, with seeded players ranked 33 to 64 entering the competition. Notable matches include Luca Brecel facing Jimmy White and Mark Davis taking on Marco Fu.