The Chinese superstar is in the semi-finals of the World Championship against Mark Allen

Wu Yize of China walks out to play against Mark Allen prior to the semi final of the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible(Image: Getty Images)

Wu Yize has been tipped as the next global face of snooker, even drawing comparisons to the late Paul Hunter, but his rise to the top has not come without sacrifice or adversity.

The 22-year-old is currently competing in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship, where he faces Mark Allen, having announced himself as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Here’s what you need to know about one of the biggest talents in the game

Relocating life to Yorkshire

Wu, who hails from Lanzhou in north-west China, made the bold decision to relocate his entire life to Yorkshire three years ago in order to pursue his snooker dream.

Having taken up snooker as a child, he quickly rose through the ranks in China’s booming talent pool, winning the World Under-21 Championship at just 14 and turning professional at 17. He has often credited the support of his family, particularly his father, who has travelled with him extensively to guide his career.

Now based in Sheffield, widely regarded as the sport’s spiritual home, he has immersed himself in a new culture, far from family and the comforts of home, in a bid to reach the very top.

That gamble is beginning to pay off.

Already a ranking event winner and the youngest player inside the world’s top 16, Wu has beaten some of the game’s biggest names en route to the Crucible semi-finals, underlining why many believe he is destined to become a future world champion.

‘New superstar’ and Paul Hunter comparisons

Snooker legends have not been shy in their praise.

Ronnie O’Sullivan described him as “really special”, while John Higgins likened his style to three-time Masters champion Paul Hunter, once dubbed snooker’s equivalent of David Beckham.

“He reminds me so much of the late, great Paul Hunter, the way he plays the game,” John Higgins said of him.

“He’s a new superstar. I’m glad that I’ll probably be retiring in a couple of years with guys like that potting them off the lampshades.”

Asked about the comparison, Wu smiled: “Paul Hunter was a really good-looking guy.”

Ronnie O’Sullivan, meanwhile, likened Wu to a “more dynamic” version of Steve Davis.

“I practised with him for two or three days in Hong Kong,” O’Sullivan said.

“It’s not until you practise with someone that you can really appreciate how good they are. After day two, I was like, ‘This kid is really special’.”

Racist jibe from crowd

During a Shoot Out tournament match in Leicester in 2024, Wu was subjected to racist abuse from the crowd, with a spectator shouting a derogatory remark referencing a Chinese dish as he played a shot.

The incident, which allegedly saw a man shout “egg fried rice” from the crowd, sparked widespread anger and debate around crowd behaviour at the event, where fans are permitted to be vocal.

It was a jarring moment for a player still adapting to life in a new country, thousands of miles from home.

Yet those close to Wu say his mentality is one of his greatest strengths.

Now, with a place in the World Championship final within touching distance, Wu is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting talents of snooker’s new era.