Wu Yize, aged 22, has become the second-youngest winner of the World Snooker Championship. He defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
This victory marks another Chinese world champion, following Zhao Xintong’s triumph the previous year.
Family Sacrifices Paved Way to Victory
Wu Yize relocated to the UK from his home city of Lanzhou at the age of 16 with his father. This move was to pursue his snooker dream amid concerns over his mother’s health.
“My mum wasn’t in very good health condition for a long time,” he said. “During that time we were in Sheffield, she has been in hospital a lot. She is forever a source of strength to me.”
He added, “She is feeling much better now. This is the second time she has visited me in the UK. I think in the future I will take her more to be by my side.”
Wu acknowledged the sacrifices his mother made for him. “She sacrificed everything for me. At that time she told me ‘don’t come back home, I can manage everything’. It was the second year I was playing in the UK.”
He explained the importance of remaining in the UK at that time. “At that time my ranking was very low so it was a crucial time for me to achieve some good results and keep my professional status. She means everything to me.”
From Windowless Flat to World Champion
As Wu Yize tried to establish his professional snooker career, he shared a bed with his father in a windowless flat in Sheffield.
His attacking style set him apart. His individuality also made him stand out in a sport known for its formal attire and disciplined approach.
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Shaun Murphy had previously identified him as a future world champion.
A New Era for Chinese Snooker
Jason Ferguson, chairman of the sport’s governing body, believes Wu and others can transform the sport. He sees them as delivering “a changing of the tide”.
He told BBC Sport: “This boy is just outstanding. I’ve known Wu for a number of years, known his father for many years and seen the struggles and the tough battles to get to this stage.”
Ferguson added: “You cannot believe what it means to that family to actually be in that arena holding that trophy. It’s quite an incredible moment. We are seeing a changing of the tide and it has to happen.”
Ferguson stated that Wu is now entering an era where he can consistently win.
May Zhao, reporting for the International Sport Press Association, sees this victory as part of a broader generational storyline, following Zhao Xintong’s breakthrough. “It confirms a new era for Chinese snooker at the very top level.”
Zhao added, “The reaction in China will be enormous. During the peak moments, the number of viewers may have exceeded 100 million people.”
Wu is considered one of the new generation shaping the future of snooker.