Pinnacle Sport is proud to celebrate an outstanding performance from our affiliated athlete, Chris Wakelin, who delivered one of the most memorable comebacks of the season in the opening round of the Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026.
Facing the in-form Chinese talent Wu Yize, Wakelin found himself under immense pressure early on, trailing 6–2 in a race to eight frames. With momentum firmly against him, the match looked to be slipping away. However, demonstrating exceptional resilience, composure, and competitive spirit, Wakelin turned the contest on its head in remarkable fashion.
From 6–2 down, Wakelin produced a flawless run of eight consecutive frames to secure an incredible 8–6 victory. The comeback was underpinned by high-quality scoring, including breaks of 84, 62, and a superb 108, showcasing both his scoring power and mental strength when it mattered most.
This victory not only highlights Wakelin’s growing presence among the elite but also reinforces his ability to perform under the biggest pressure on one of snooker’s premier stages.
The Sportsbet.io Tour Championship represents the third and final event in the prestigious Players Series, bringing together the top 12 players of the season based on current form. Hosted at the iconic Manchester Central venue, the tournament is widely regarded as one of the toughest fields in the sport, making Wakelin’s achievement even more significant.
Looking ahead, Wakelin now faces his biggest test yet as he takes on reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong in the quarter-finals. The match will be contested over a best-of-19 frames format, promising a high-quality encounter between two players in excellent form.
Everyone at Pinnacle Sport congratulates Chris on this outstanding performance and looks forward to supporting him as he continues his journey in Manchester.