‘I didn’t expect to win’ – But Hong Kong’s Ng On-yee is utterly dominant as she claims third world title in ruthless fashion

Hong Kong snooker star Ng On-yee came into the world championship in Malta without form, under pressure because of her recently acquired world No 1 ranking and suffering from a cough.

So her expectations were slightly tempered. What happened next was one of the most devastating performances by a player – man or woman – in a world championship as Ng bolstered her status as the planet’s best female player by storming to her third world title and second in a row on Sunday morning (Hong Kong time).

The 27-year-old swept to a 5-0 victory over England’s world No 4 Maria Catalano in the best-of-nine final to go through the entire tournament without dropping a frame. It was a remarkable performance from the Hong Kong woman, who this year replaced long-time queen of the baize, England’s Reanne Evans, as the world’s number one player.

“Actually when I arrived in Malta, I had a cough and was a little sick so I was worried and had to rest for the first few days,” Ng told the Post. “I went to see the doctor and got some medicine but I was also feeling a bit of pressure with the new ranking, with being defending champion and not having much form before this tournament.

“So I wasn’t expecting much from the start and I guess not having that much expectation was the main driver this time.”

Ng’s first tournament as world number one was at February’s British Open, where she lost to Thai youngster Nutcharat Wongharuthai in the semi-finals.