Wu Yize’s father made significant sacrifices to support his son’s snooker career, including selling their family home and closing his business. Wu, aged 22, emerged victorious over Shaun Murphy with an 18-17 win in the thrilling final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
This historic match, the first 35th-frame decider since 2002, propelled Wu to become the second youngest world champion in snooker history, earning a substantial £500,000 prize money and the prestigious trophy.
Following Zhao Xintong’s win in 2025, Wu became the second consecutive Chinese player to claim the world title. The journey to success was made possible by the unwavering support and financial sacrifices of Wu’s parents, particularly his father.
Chinese social media platform Weibo exploded with a viral hashtag about Wu’s father selling their home in Lanzhou to invest in his snooker aspirations. The heartfelt moment at the trophy ceremony saw Wu acknowledge his parents as the true champions, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Wu’s victory has sparked a surge in snooker’s popularity in China, evident from the overwhelming online response to his triumph. Notable figures in the Chinese snooker community, including Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong, extended their congratulations to Wu on social media, reflecting the collective pride in Chinese snooker achievements.
The Dongguan Billiards Association, instrumental in nurturing top Chinese talent, lauded Wu’s transformation from a young dreamer to a world champion, symbolizing the rise of a new generation of Chinese snooker excellence.
Draped in the Chinese flag after his win, Wu received accolades from various quarters, including the official Communist Party newspaper, People’s Daily. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global success has resonated deeply within the snooker community and beyond.