The third Nansha Snooker Open (Dongling Cup) concluded on May 8 in Guangzhou’s Nansha District after a six-day competition. The event gathered over 100 top snooker players from across the country, using high-level matches to energize the local business district and strengthen the snooker brand, achieving a dual success in both sports competition and integrated cultural, sports, and tourism development.
Winners of the tournament pose for a group photo. (Photo provided by the Nansha District Government)
Now in its third consecutive year, the Snooker Open has gradually become a highly influential brand event in the Greater Bay Area. This edition saw a comprehensive upgrade from previous years, with participants from over 20 provinces nationwide, totaling 101 snooker elites. The competition format strictly followed international professional standards, featuring elimination rounds (best of 5), round of 16 (best of 7), quarterfinals (best of 7), semifinals (best of 9), and finals (best of 9), with a total of 127 intense matches, ensuring a more standardized and fiercely competitive process.
The organizing committee noted that the overall skill level of players improved significantly, with a mix of professional veterans and rising talents. The age range spanned from the 1970s to the 2010s, representing a broader geographic distribution and greatly enhanced competitive quality. The venue setup, referee team, and live broadcast technology all met professional event standards, further elevating the tournament’s specialization and branding to new heights.
After multiple elimination rounds, Liang Xiaolong, a professional domestic player who had participated in all three editions of the Nansha Snooker Open, emerged as a dark horse. He defeated the first edition champion Jiang Jun in the quarterfinals and the second edition champion Yao Pengcheng in the finals, ultimately claiming the championship trophy. His victory earned him the 50,000 yuan top prize, marking the biggest highlight of this year’s tournament.
Additionally, outside the venue…