Wu Yize’s father made significant sacrifices to support his son’s journey to becoming the world snooker champion. He sold their family home and closed his small business to fund Wu’s pursuit of the title. The 22-year-old emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Shaun Murphy at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, winning £500,000 and the prestigious trophy.
This historic match, which ended in a 35th-frame decider, marked the first such occurrence since 2002. Wu now holds the title as the second youngest champion in snooker history. He follows in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong, the first Chinese player to achieve this feat in 2025. Wu expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their sacrifices, emphasizing their pivotal role in his success.
The news of Wu’s triumph spread rapidly on Chinese social media platforms. A hashtag related to his father’s sacrifices gained immense traction, garnering 18 million views by the next day. Wu’s father not only sold their home but also closed his antique shop to support his son’s snooker dream. The emotional moment during the trophy ceremony, where Wu dedicated his win to his parents, touched many hearts.
China’s ascent in the world of snooker has sparked a surge in popularity for the sport across the nation. Online platforms were abuzz with excitement over Wu’s victory, with hashtags and images from his past circulating widely. Fellow Chinese snooker stars, including Zhao and Ding Junhui, congratulated Wu on his remarkable achievement, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese players in the sport.
The Dongguan Billiards Association, where Wu honed his skills, praised his transformation from a young aspirant to a world champion, showcasing the bright future of Chinese snooker. Wu’s display of national pride, draped in the Chinese flag, resonated with fans and drew accolades from various quarters, including the official Communist Party newspaper, People’s Daily.