Chinese Stars Pang Junxu and Xu Si Storm into Championship League Final Stage, Eye Historic First Ranking Title
Pang Junxu and Xu Si have taken a significant step toward claiming their first ranking titles after topping their respective groups in the BetVictor Championship League on Saturday in Leicester. With their impressive performances, the talented Chinese pair secured their places in the third and final phase of the competition, scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
Their advancement continues a growing trend of Chinese players making a strong mark on the global snooker stage. Both Pang and Xu displayed composure, focus, and tactical brilliance to overcome tough opponents in the second stage of the tournament. Their progression puts them in elite company alongside experienced Scottish player Stephen Maguire and local favorite Joe O’Connor, who also booked their spots in the final stage earlier in the week.
The Championship League, the first ranking event of the 2025/26 snooker season, has provided a thrilling start to the campaign. With its unique format requiring consistent excellence across multiple group stages, the event is as much a test of endurance and mental strength as it is of skill and strategy. Pang and Xu’s journey so far has shown they possess all the ingredients to go the distance.
The action will resume on Monday as Groups E and F are played out. Chris Wakelin, the highest-ranked player in Group E, will be looking to assert his authority, while former World Champion Stuart Bingham headlines Group F. Four more players will emerge from these groups to complete the final eight contenders who will battle it out for the title on Wednesday night.
As Pang Junxu and Xu Si await their next challenge, fans and analysts alike are beginning to wonder if this could be the moment a new Chinese champion emerges on the ranking stage. With their form peaking at the right time, the dream of lifting a maiden ranking trophy could soon become reality.
