Wu Yize’s father made significant sacrifices to support his son’s rise to the top of the snooker world. Selling their family home and closing his small business, Wu’s father invested in his son’s dream, culminating in Wu’s victory over Shaun Murphy in an intense final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The thrilling match, which went to a 35th-frame decider, crowned Wu as the second youngest champion ever, earning him a substantial £500,000 prize and the prestigious title.
Following in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong’s historic win in 2025, Wu’s success marked another milestone for Chinese snooker. The emotional moment during the trophy ceremony where Wu acknowledged his parents as the true champions highlighted the immense support they provided throughout his journey. Wu expressed his deep gratitude, emphasizing their role in his success since he decided to leave school to pursue snooker.
The impact of Wu’s triumph reverberated across China, sparking a surge in snooker’s popularity, evident in the massive online response and social media trends. The heartwarming story of Wu’s father’s sacrifices, including closing his antique shop to accompany his son on his pursuit, captured the public’s admiration. Chinese social media platforms were flooded with messages of support and congratulations, with hashtags related to Wu’s victory gaining millions of views.
Notable figures in Chinese snooker, such as Zhao and Ding Junhui, lauded Wu’s achievement, celebrating the growth and success of Chinese snooker on the international stage. Organizations like the Dongguan Billiards Association, instrumental in nurturing top Chinese talent, commended Wu’s journey from aspiring player to world champion, underscoring the country’s emerging dominance in snooker.
Wu’s gesture of wrapping himself in the Chinese flag post-victory symbolized his pride in representing his country on the global snooker stage. The official Communist Party newspaper, People’s Daily, also extended congratulations to Wu, highlighting his triumph as a moment of national pride.
