Wu Yize announced himself on snooker’s biggest stage on Monday, edging Shaun Murphy 18‑17 in a nail‑biting final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to claim the World Snooker Championship title.
The 22‑year‑old from the Chinese mainland kept his composure in the deciding frame, sealing victory in a gripping finish that went the full distance. With this win, Wu becomes the second Chinese mainland player to lift the sport’s most prestigious trophy, following in the footsteps of the Chinese mainland’s Zhao Xintong, who made history a year earlier.
Wu has often cited Zhao’s historic triumph as a turning point for his own confidence. “Zhao’s success definitely made me believe in myself more because he made history,” Wu said after the match.
Long regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects, Wu has drawn praise from across the snooker world. Seven‑time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan described him earlier this year as a “phenomenal player” and tipped him to reach World No. 1 within three years.
In the Chinese mainland, Wu is affectionately known as “Little Wu,” a nickname that references both a former hairstyle and the calm, steady demeanor he brings to the table under pressure.
The victory underlines the growing influence of the Chinese mainland on the global snooker stage, as a new generation of talent rises to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
Reference(s):
Wu Yize becomes world champion with dramatic win over Shaun Murphy
cgtn.com
