Wu Yize’s father made significant sacrifices to support his son’s journey to snooker stardom, including selling their family home and closing his small business. The 22-year-old emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Shaun Murphy at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, clinching the World Snooker Championship title.
This nail-biting match, which went down to the 35th frame, marked the first time in nearly two decades since such a close finish had occurred in the tournament. Wu’s triumph not only made him the second youngest champion in history but also earned him a substantial prize of £500,000 and the coveted championship trophy.
Following in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong’s historic win in 2025, Wu became the second consecutive Chinese player to claim the world title. His success was made possible by the unwavering support and sacrifices of his parents, with his father’s decision to sell their home in Lanzhou and close his antique shop to invest in Wu’s snooker career.
During the emotional trophy ceremony, Wu expressed his gratitude to his parents, acknowledging them as the true champions in his life. His parents were visibly moved by his words as he credited them for being his pillars of strength throughout his journey.
Wu’s victory has not only brought him personal glory but has also sparked a surge in snooker’s popularity in China. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of congratulations, with hashtags related to Wu’s win garnering millions of views on Weibo.
Fellow Chinese snooker stars, including Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui, took to social media to celebrate Wu’s achievement and highlight the growing strength of Chinese snooker on the international stage. The Dongguan Billiards Association, where Wu honed his skills, commended his transformation from a young dreamer to a world champion, underscoring the rising prominence of Chinese snooker talent.
As Wu draped himself in the Chinese flag in celebration, accolades poured in from various quarters, including the official Communist Party newspaper, People’s Daily. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global success serves as a testament to China’s growing influence in the world of snooker.
