Chinese snooker enthusiasts have long dreamed of seeing one of their own lift the prestigious World Championship trophy. In 2016, trailblazer Ding Junhui came agonizingly close in the final. Last year, the wait was finally over when Zhao Xintong became the first world champion from Asia. Now, in 2026, a new chapter is being written as 22-year-old Wu Yize has stormed into the final, with only Shaun Murphy standing between him and snooker's ultimate prize.
After a tense semi-final that went down to the final frame, Wu reflected on his performance. 'In the last session I made some mistakes and towards the end I was lucky,' he said. 'I want to give my best efforts and everything I have got to try to win the World Championship.'
Wu's rise has captivated the snooker world. Defeated opponent Mark Allen noted, 'Wu doesn't seem to mind the pressure. Even if he doesn't win it this time, I think he will win many world titles.' Hossein Vafaei, who fell to Wu in the quarter-finals, likened playing him to facing a video game: 'The guy was potting from everywhere. It was like playing against a Playstation.'
Even the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan, who practiced with Wu in Hong Kong, recognized his talent early. 'After day two, I was like 'This kid is really special',' O'Sullivan said.
At just 22, Wu Yize could become the second youngest world champion in history, following Stephen Hendry's record. His fearless style on the table and humble demeanor off it have made him a fan favorite and a symbol of China's growing influence in global snooker.
As the final approaches, all eyes are on Sheffield to see if this young sensation can etch his name into the annals of snooker history and bring another world title to China.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
