Bai Yulu shows class to book spot at British Open as Matthew Stevens, Stan Moody and Sam Craigie also progress from qualifiers
Published 27/06/2025 at 17:12 GMT+1
Women's world champion Bai Yulu will make an appearance in the last 64 of the British Open in September after qualifying for the main stage on Friday with a 4-2 win over Artemijs Zizins. Bai was joined in the last 64 by Matthew Stevens, Stan Moody and Sam Craigie, who missed last season due to a neck injury before being granted a two-year tour card on medical grounds.
Women's world champion Bai books British Open main-draw spot
Video credit: TNT Sports
Women's world champion Bai Yulu booked her spot at the British Open in September with a 4-2 win over Artemijs Zizins of Latvia in Leicester on Friday.
Bai bookended the victory with breaks of 67 and 80 after Zizins broke down on 105 chasing a 147 break in the second frame of their first-round meeting at Mattioli Arena.
It was Bai's sixth victory over a male opponent since securing her spot on the main circuit last season.
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The 21-year-old Chinese player successfully defended her world title last month courtesy of a 6-4 win over former holder Mink Nutcharut in the Chinese city of Dongguan.
There was also a fine 4-2 victory for former UK and Masters champion Matthews Stevens, who overcame Huang Jiahao, boosted by knocks of 58, 119 and a closing 65.
And Halifax teenager Stan Moody showed his qualities in a 4-2 win over three-time ranking event finalist Zhou Yuelong.
Moody moved 3-0 clear and to the brink of progress with breaks of 55, 66 and 80. Zhou closed to 3-2 behind with 124 and 68, before Moody finalised his trip to Cheltenham with a 97.
Moody is already through to the Wuhan Open in August after a 5-2 qualifying win over Antoni Kowalski.
There was also a first win of the season for returning Newcastle potter Sam Craigie, who produced two 50+ breaks in a 4-1 win against Yao Pengcheng.
Craigie missed last season due to a neck injury, but was granted a fresh two-year tour card on medical grounds.
Qualifying for the British Open runs through until Saturday in Leicester, with the main tournament then staged at the Centaur in Cheltenham from September 22-28.
All the matches involving the world's top 16 have been held over to September.
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Latest British Open qualifying results
- Stan Moody 4-2 Zhou Yuelong
- Sam Craigie 4-1 Yao Pengcheng
- Bai Yulu 4-2 Artemijs Zizins
- Robbie McGuigan 4-2 Lyu Haotian
- Matthew Stevens 4-2 Huang Jiahao
- Noppon Saengkham 4-1 Liu Wenwei
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