SANYA, Dec. 9 -- Han Yu beat compatriot Wang Xiaotong 9-6 in the final of the 2018 WPA Women's 9-ball World Championship here on Sunday to win her third world title.
This is the 10th consecutive year that China has hosted the world's most prestigious women's 9-ball event, with local players having triumphed in all but one of those tournaments.
Han took an early lead 5-0 at the beginning of the final before Wang Xiaotong finally cleared the table in the sixth frame. The latter, who had never previously advanced beyond the last 32 at the World Championship, then cut the deficit down to 3-5. However, Han demonstrated her experience to pull 8-5 ahead in the 13th frame, before eventually finishing the final with a 9-6 advantage.
"I am extremely happy to win my third world title," said Han after the final. "Wang and I shared the same coach so we know each other's playing style, and she showed her strength in the match today."
With her third world title win, Han is now tied with compatriot Liu Shasha in the all-time rankings, and now stands just one title behind record holder Allison Fisher, though Han played down any suggestion that she was actively seeking to better the Englishwomen's achievement.
"Thinking about the record will distract you from playing," Han said. "I just want to play my best and see what will happen."