Snooker’s Rising Star: Wu Yize Defies All Odds to Reach World Championship Final at 22
Wu Yize’s journey to the World Snooker Championship final at just 22 years old has been anything but easy, marked by grit, sacrifice, and raw talent. From his early days in Lanzhou, China, where he began playing snooker at age seven, Wu’s rise has been a story of perseverance. Despite immense promise, the financial struggles were real. His family made a bold decision to move to England, with his father quitting his job and the two of them sharing a cramped room in Sheffield, where resources were scarce.
Yet, these early hardships did little to dim Wu’s spirit. As he honed his skills, his childhood coach, Roger Leighton, recalls how Wu’s relentless drive set him apart. Even at 11, when his break was only 49, Wu’s ambition was crystal clear. His response to a missed shot in a match against professional Chang Bingu was revealing—Wu wasn’t content with any performance that fell short of world-class. His mentality was one of constant self-improvement, and it wasn’t long before he made his first century break and started defeating top-tier players like Cao Yupeng.
Wu turned professional at 17, quickly earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. By 2023, he was making his Crucible debut, although it ended in defeat to Neil Robertson. However, Wu’s breakthrough came in the 2024/25 season, with two ranking finals and strong performances in prestigious events like the Players Championship and Tour Championship. His crowning achievement so far has been winning the International Championship in November, where he triumphed over top names like Judd Trump and John Higgins, which propelled him into the top 16.
Now, as he stands on the brink of World Championship glory, his transformation into one of snooker’s most promising talents is undeniable. His thrilling 17-16 victory over Mark Allen in the semifinals, winning the last three frames, was a testament to his nerve and determination. Wu’s powerful play, including multiple breaks over 140 in the event, has made him a fan favorite. The Sheffield crowd chants his name, and he’s also gaining respect from fellow players. Even Ronnie O’Sullivan, known for his selective mentoring, has been impressed, predicting that Wu will be world champion within a few years.
In the final, Wu will face Shaun Murphy, who has also been full of praise for the young player, acknowledging his immense talent while hoping to secure victory himself. For Wu, this is just the beginning. Despite being unorthodox in style, his flair and focus have already captured the snooker world’s attention. With the backing of both local and Chinese fans, he’s poised for greatness, with many tipping him to be the future of the sport.
