Published：May 1, 08:08Last updated：May 8, 16:04

Wu Yize Wins Historic World Snooker Championship as First "00s" Champion

May. 1, 2026 08:08

On April 30, Chinese snooker player Wu Yize took a 6-2 lead over Mark Allen in the semi-finals of the 2026 Snooker World Championship in Sheffield, UK. Wu, the only Chinese player to reach the semi-finals, showcased strong performance in the first stage of the match, which is played over multiple sessions.

Summarized

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May. 8, 2026 16:04

On May 8, Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong was named Player of the Year and inducted into the World Snooker Hall of Fame. Wu Yize won the Fans' Player of the Year award, highlighting a strong season for Chinese players.

May. 8, 2026 16:04

On May 8, 2026, the World Snooker Tour announced its year-end awards, with Zhao Xintong winning Player of the Year and Wu Yize winning Fans' Player of the Year. Zhao, the first Asian world champion, has had a stellar season, while Wu, a rising star, has made significant breakthroughs in his career. The awards highlight the growing prominence of Chinese players in the sport.

Chinese snooker player Wu Yize has etched his name in history by winning the 2026 World Snooker Championship, becoming the first "00s" player to claim the title. The 22-year-old defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, marking a monumental achievement for Chinese snooker. Wu's victory, which included a dramatic deciding frame with an 85-point break, solidified his status as the second-youngest champion in the tournament's history and the second Chinese player to win the title after Zhao Xintong. The match marked the first final to go to a deciding frame since 2002. ChinaNews+2

🏆 Final Drama

The championship final was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Wu Yize initially leading 10-7 after the first two sessions. However, Murphy fought back, taking the lead at 16-14. Wu displayed remarkable resilience, winning four consecutive frames to clinch the title 18-17. The deciding frame saw Wu execute a difficult shot under immense pressure, securing his place in snooker history. Murphy praised Wu's talent, admitting he had predicted the Chinese player would one day win the title. Ronnie O'Sullivan also played a crucial role, providing advice that helped Wu stay focused and calm during the final. BBC News+3

🌟 Family and Regional Pride

Wu's journey from poverty in Lanzhou to world champion became an inspiration story. His father sold their only home and worked multiple menial jobs in the UK to fund his training. The Gansu Sports Bureau and Lanzhou government celebrated his achievement, highlighting it as a milestone for regional sports development. Post-match, Wu emotionally thanked his parents, moving his mother to tears during the ceremony. Süddeutsche Zeitung+3

🎱 Rising Chinese Dominance

Wu's triumph marks a golden era for Chinese snooker, with China producing four consecutive first-time world champions. His victory follows Zhao Xintong's 2025 win, making it the first time Chinese players have claimed consecutive world titles. Ding Junhui's pioneering role was acknowledged as pivotal to China's snooker success, with 11 Chinese players participating in this year's tournament. The Guardian+2

🚨 Tournament Highlights

The championship featured multiple dramatic moments beyond the final. Wu staged a comeback from 14-16 down in the semifinals, showcasing his mental toughness. Protesters interrupted play during key matches, but Wu maintained focus under pressure. His cool demeanor throughout earned praise from competitors, further cementing his reputation as a rising star. ChinaNews+2

Wu YizeSheffieldMark AllenShaun MurphyCrucible Theatre