Unbelievable Triumph: Lei Peifan Shocks the Snooker World with Historic Scottish Open Victory

In an unexpected and thrilling turn of events, Lei Peifan, ranked No. 84, secured his first ranking title by defeating compatriot Wu Yize 9-5 in the final of the Scottish Open. The 21-year-old’s triumph not only earned him the prestigious Stephen Hendry Trophy, but also made him the lowest-ranked player to win a ranking title in 31 years. Lei’s victory stunned many in the snooker world, especially given his struggles and lack of recent form after dropping off the tour in 2022.

Eurosport analysts Alan McManus and Neal Foulds were both taken aback by Lei’s performance. McManus described the win as “incredible,” highlighting how Lei had proved the experts wrong by defeating a strong opponent like Wu. “Less than 24 hours ago, he was 5-2 behind against Mark Allen in the semifinals, and it seemed impossible that he’d stand there with the trophy. Yet, he dug in and completed a remarkable comeback,” McManus said.

Lei’s journey to the final was nothing short of dramatic. After a slow start, he showed resilience and composure to turn his semifinal around against Allen. In the final against Wu, Lei took control early, winning the first four frames of the afternoon session. Despite Wu’s attempts to mount a comeback, cutting Lei’s lead to just two frames, Lei held his nerve. The match was a tense affair, but Lei’s steady play and belief in his own abilities ultimately saw him clinch victory.

McManus acknowledged that while the performance wasn’t “vintage,” the most important thing in a final is winning, and Lei did just that. The match ball, which Lei struck perfectly, demonstrated his confidence as he sealed the deal. “Edinburgh will forever be a special place in his career,” McManus added, praising the young champion for his unwavering belief.

For Wu Yize, this was his second ranking final of the year, following a loss to Neil Robertson at the English Open. Eurosport’s Neal Foulds noted that Wu has shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency remains a hurdle. “The gap between his best and worst is quite wide. When his game dips, he struggles to win. He had a chance to get back into the match at 7-5, but crucial misses left him with little hope,” Foulds remarked. Despite the loss, Wu’s talent remains undeniable, and he will look to improve his consistency in future tournaments.

In the end, Lei’s victory was a testament to his resilience, belief, and determination. His success has firmly placed him on the map as a future star in the snooker world.