Chinese snooker sensation Wu Yize made history at the WST International Championship in Nanjing on Sunday, defeating four-time world champion John Higgins 10-6 to secure his maiden ranking title. The 22-year-old from Lanzhou displayed nerves of steel against the 50-year-old Scottish legend, whose career has inspired generations of Chinese fans.
Wu's breakthrough performance featured three century breaks, including a tournament-high 137 that shifted momentum in the first session. The 2022 Rookie of the Year sealed his victory with an 87-break after the interval, demonstrating the precision that's marked his rapid rise through the ranks.
This landmark win propels Wu from 22nd to 13th in the world rankings, cementing China's growing influence in professional snooker. The victory comes as Chinese players increasingly challenge European dominance in the sport, with seven mainland athletes now ranked among the world's top 32 players.
