Chang Bingyu receives standing ovation for the 'perfect performance' at Welsh Open

The 23-year-old conjured up four century breaks in as many frames - three of which were total clearances - finishing with a 100% pot success rate and outscoring his helpless opponent by 524-1.

The ‘contest’ at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Tuesday morning was over in well under an hour.

Chang, who is back on the professional circuit this season, started with runs of 130 and 136 before Murphy scored his only point at the start of frame three - a brilliant long red.

But that didn't disrupt the former world amateur champion's momentum as he went 3-0 up with a 119 before wrapping up an astonishing victory with another 130.

On sinking the final black, Chang received a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance and was saluted by opponent Murphy who joined in to show his appreciation, too.

Previously highlighted by Ronnie O’Sullivan as a player he really rates, Chang reached his maiden ranking event final just before Christmas at the Scottish Open, although he was denied the crown by Chris Wakelin.

Because of that run in Edinburgh, Chang - who had to win a qualifying match in Sheffield a few weeks ago to qualify for the main draw in Llandudno - could win £250,000 this week in North Wales.

A top prize of £100,000 and The Ray Reardon Trophy will be awarded to Sunday evening’s winner, but Chang can also finish top of this season’s Home Nations Series order of merit race, for which there is an additional £150,000 bonus prize.

Murphy congratulates Chang’s “absolutely outstanding performance”

Speaking to BBC Sport Wales after having the best seat in the house, Murphy was full of praise for what he had just witnessed: “If that were Ronnie O’Sullivan or Judd Trump, it would be on the news. It was quite literally the best performance I’ve ever witnessed in a match of that length” said the reigning British Open champion.

“I mean, you can copy and paste my comments from last week from the Players Championship. It’s another absolutely outstanding performance from an opponent against me this season.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about it – what a performance and what a player”.

Talking through an interrupter, Chang was surprised by his own performance, saying: “It’s really incredible. I’ve never played so well in a match. This is a performance that exceeded my expectations, even a lot better than what I do in practice.

“I really didn’t expect to beat him (Murphy). I’ve exceeded my expectations today, but it’s just one performance, and there’s still a gap between me and the top players”.

Two-time ranking event winner Joe Perry was commentating on the match described it as “a truly spectacular performance” while 12-time world women’s champion Reanne Evans - who was in the BBC studio - waxed lyrical saying: "That has got to be the greatest performance ever on a snooker table".

Next up for Chang in the last 32 on Wednesday is a meeting with either host nation player Jackson Page or 2023 World Champion Luca Brecel.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 Welsh Open, visit here.