Yan Bingtao didn’t have the easiest journey to the Masters final. Not only due to overcoming three deciding frames against players with vastly more experience than him (including the defending champion), but also as a 20 year old debutant in the invitational, where he would come up against one of the greatest match players in John Higgins.
During this final (and the tournament, in general) Bingtao displayed an impressive, well-rounded skillset and temperament to follow. The prime example of this was at, what I thought was, the turning point in the match. The opening frame of the evening session turned out to be pivotal as Higgins established a 67 point lead, falling on a thin-cut black.
Many wouldn’t have expected a steal at this point however, Bingtao produced one of his best ever clearances of 59 (plus 8 more earlier) with a series of stellar pots, particularly on the black as well as a final pink which would have stopped anyone in their tracks. Bingtao was able to keep cool as he changed the course of the match at this point.
Despite being on the back foot in the match (even after this steal), Bingtao was able to capitalise on Higgin’s increasing mistakes towards the end of the final, turning 7-5 into a 10-8 victory. The deal was sealed with an eventual 64 break in the final frame as Bingtao was searching for any opportunity for the ball that would get him over the line.
You’re going to be hearing plenty of references to Bingtao’s age going forward when regarding this victory, and rightly so. It’s easy to forget (despite the consistent mentioning from commentators) that he is just 20 years old. And has just won the Masters. The last time someone so young won a significant event was back in the 1990s. In fact, Bingtao became the youngest person to win since Ronnie O’Sullivan in 1995 at the age of 19 (free Fact of the Week).
And this sweet victory could have been denied for Bingtao at any moment considering he had to fight through three deciders to reach this momentous occasion. Whether you or your opponent forced a deciding frame, a player really needs to compose themselves when they reach this point in a match. Bingtao had to deal with this throughout the whole event as he showcased his ice-cold demeanour and talent to get to the final.
This tournament win is a testament to Bingtao’s work ethic and vastly improving skillset. Things seemed a little quiet for the young prodigy since turning professional a few seasons ago. He had only reached the final of one event back in 2017 against Mark Williams, where he almost became the youngest ranking event winner.
Since then, things only really picked up last season as he claimed his first trophy and ventured deep in a considerable number of tournaments. Fast forward to now, and he’s just lifted his first major title, beating the player who was accomplishing comparable milestones to him almost thirty years prior.
This now throws an exciting spanner in the works for the likes of Trump, Robertson, Selby and Wilson as they find themselves with a potential new contender to the throne. The rest of this season is certainly one to keep your eyes peeled for.
Like this Short? Click here to read: The First of Many? World Grand Prix Final 2020 – Shorts Thoughts
Have an idea for a Short post? Feel free to get in touch using the social media links below! Thanks for reading!