Noppon Saengkham Reaches First Ranking Final at China Open

Thai snooker professional Noppon Saengkham, currently ranked 45th in the world, has advanced to the final of the 2026 China Open. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, Noppon secured his place in the championship match after a hard-fought 6-5 victory over local favorite Zhou Yuelong in the semi-finals.

His path to the final has been marked by notable performances, including consecutive victories over world-class players Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and Shaun Murphy. This achievement represents the first time Noppon has reached a ranking event final in his professional career.

For fans and the Thai community, this success is significant as it highlights the rising profile of Thai athletes on the global stage. Noppon noted that the prize money—guaranteed at a minimum of £100,000 (approximately 4.5 million baht) with a potential £250,000 (approximately 11 million baht) for a win—is the largest of his career. He expressed that these funds could assist him in purchasing a home in England, where he is based for his professional circuit.

While his place in the final is confirmed, the ultimate outcome of the tournament remains to be decided. Supporters are now waiting to see if Noppon can secure his first major ranking title in the upcoming final match.