Bai Yulu Defends Her Throne: Women’s Snooker World Championship Set to Thrill Dongguan in 2026
From May 12 to 19, 2026, the world’s elite women snooker players will gather at the Changping Snooker Centre in Dongguan, China, for the highly anticipated Women’s Snooker World Championship. Organized collaboratively by the World Women’s Snooker Federation, the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association, and the Canton Snooker Federation, the event promises a week of intense competition and thrilling moments on the green baize.
Bai Yulu enters the tournament as the reigning champion, having successfully defended her title in 2025 after a dramatic 6–5 victory over Mink Nutcharut. Fans will be watching closely to see if she can continue her dominant streak or if a new challenger will rise to claim the prestigious Mandy Fisher Trophy. Alongside the main championship, two other competitions will run concurrently: the Under-21 Women’s Snooker World Championship, which in 2025 crowned Panchaya Channoi as champion, and the Women’s Seniors World Championship, last won by Tessa Davidson.
The Women’s Snooker World Championship has a rich history, with roots stretching back to the early 20th century. The Women’s Professional Snooker Championship, held ten times between 1934 and 1950 (with a hiatus from 1941 to 1947), saw Ruth Harrison dominate by winning eight titles. The modern era began in 1976 with the inaugural Women’s World Championship, and since then, Reanne Evans has set an extraordinary benchmark with 12 titles, including an unprecedented ten consecutive victories from 2005 to 2014.
The stakes in 2026 are higher than ever. Beyond the honor of lifting the Mandy Fisher Trophy, the winner will earn a coveted two-year tour card for the World Snooker Tour, opening the door to compete against the top professional players globally. With a blend of rising stars and seasoned champions, this year’s championship promises unforgettable matches and a celebration of skill, resilience, and the growing prominence of women’s snooker on the world stage.
