Wu Yize’s father made significant sacrifices to support his son’s snooker career, including selling their family home and closing his small business. Wu, aged 22, emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Shaun Murphy, winning the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield by a narrow margin of 18-17.
The intense match, culminating in a 35th-frame decider, marked a historic moment for the tournament, making Wu the second youngest champion ever and awarding him a substantial prize of £500,000 along with the prestigious trophy.
Following in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong’s success in 2025, Wu became the second consecutive Chinese player to claim the world title. His father’s sacrifices, particularly the financial ones, were instrumental in his journey to success.
A social media hashtag on Weibo went viral, highlighting the story of Wu’s father selling their home in Lanzhou, China, to invest in his son’s snooker dream after the victory, garnering 18 million views by the next day. Wu’s father also closed his antique shop to support his son’s pursuits, eventually relocating to Sheffield together.
During the trophy ceremony, Wu emotionally acknowledged his parents as the “true champions,” expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey. This heartwarming moment resonated with fans worldwide, especially in China, where snooker’s popularity has surged following Wu’s remarkable achievement.
Chinese social media platforms buzzed with excitement, with the hashtag “Wu Yize wins the World Championship” amassing over 40 million views on Weibo by the next morning, becoming a top trending topic. Additionally, a throwback photo from 2012 featuring a young Wu with Stephen Hendry resurfaced online, gaining significant attention.
Fellow Chinese snooker stars, including Zhao and Ding Junhui, extended their congratulations to Wu on social media, emphasizing the significance of his victory for Chinese snooker. The Dongguan Billiards Association, instrumental in nurturing Chinese snooker talents, lauded Wu’s growth from a promising young player to a world champion, symbolizing the rise of a new generation of Chinese snooker excellence.
Amidst the celebrations, Wu draped himself in the Chinese flag, symbolizing pride and patriotism. Messages of support and congratulations poured in from various quarters, including official entities and prominent personalities, affirming Wu’s remarkable accomplishment on the global snooker stage.