Snooker’s New Prodigy: Wu Yize’s Crucible Glory Sparked by Mentorship from Ronnie O’Sullivan
Ronnie O’Sullivan has expressed his support for snooker’s rising star, Wu Yize, following the young Chinese player’s impressive run at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible. At just 22 years old, Wu has taken the snooker world by storm, reaching the semi-finals in Sheffield after defeating Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, and Hossein Vafaei. This remarkable achievement comes in his first season as a seeded player at the prestigious tournament, having previously clinched his first ranking title at the International Championship.
O’Sullivan, who himself was eliminated by John Higgins in a thrilling 13-12 match, has taken the young talent under his wing, eager to guide him in his journey to the top. The Rocket, known for his own extraordinary career, has spoken about the importance of mentoring the next generation of players. O’Sullivan is convinced that Wu has the potential to become a champion, but has also urged him to refine his game further. “I said, ‘You need to improve in this area. I’m convinced that if you don’t, you’ll keep getting the same results,'” O’Sullivan shared, emphasizing the need for Wu to evolve if he wants to reach the very top.
Wu Yize, in turn, has expressed his gratitude for O’Sullivan’s guidance, acknowledging the positive impact it has had on his development. He also revealed that he and O’Sullivan keep in touch regularly to discuss matches, adding that O’Sullivan’s support means a lot to him. The Chinese player has also drawn inspiration from Zhao Xintong, who made history by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Championship in 2025. Wu expressed his desire to follow in Zhao’s footsteps, believing that with hard work and confidence, he too can one day claim the coveted title.
Wu’s skills have been on full display in Sheffield, with his stellar performance against Selby and Vafaei, particularly impressing the latter. “It was like playing against a PlayStation,” said Vafaei, commenting on Wu’s near-flawless potting and rapid break-building. As Wu continues to rise through the ranks, his combination of natural talent and willingness to learn under the guidance of legends like O’Sullivan makes him a player to watch in the future.
