The global snooker community has witnessed the full emergence of a new star as Wu Yize, a 22-year-old rising talent from China, clinched the world championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. He made history as the second youngest world champion ever and became the second Chinese player to hold the world snooker crown after Zhao Xintong.
On 5 May 2026, the young man from Lanzhou city, Gansu province, began playing snooker at just seven years old, encouraged strongly by his father who supported his participation in competitions across the country. At age 11, Wu was enrolled in a prestigious Chinese snooker training institute to undertake serious training with world-class foreign coaches.
His coach once recalled that when they first met, Wu's highest break was only 49 points. However, after just a few weeks of training, he made a remarkable leap to an 86-point break and confidently stated, "It’s still not good enough."
Over the years, Wu Yize has been recognized as a "young rising star" in the snooker world, known for his aggressive playing style, bold opening moves, and precise long-range shots, earning praise from analysts and snooker legends alike.
What impresses many is not just his skill but his remarkably calm mindset beyond his years. Even under the immense pressure of the global stage, he remains fearless, willing to take risks, and unfazed by the reputation of his opponents.
His career progressed rapidly, starting with winning the World Under-18 Championship at age 14, before turning professional full-time and earning the Best Newcomer Award in his debut season.
He then claimed his first ranking tournament title in 2025, before reaching his peak form in 2026 by narrowly defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final to seize the world championship title.
Wu Yize’s success also reflects the tremendous growth of Chinese snooker, where a new generation of players is continuously rising to the global stage, supported by rigorous training systems and strong institutional backing.
Today, Wu Yize’s name is just beginning to make its mark worldwide, but what he has demonstrated is the arrival of a new era in snooker, with China firmly establishing itself as a major power in the sport.