BEIJING — The rise of Wu Yize, a 20-year-old from Chongqing, has sent shockwaves through the world of snooker, not just for his extraordinary skill but for what his success could mean for the sport’s future in China. Wu’s triumph in the 2025 International Championship and his subsequent victory at the 2026 World Snooker Championship have ignited a renewed passion for snooker across the country, a passion that could elevate the sport to the same cultural prominence as table tennis—a game that has long been China’s national pastime and a source of global pride. For Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), this moment is a turning point, one that could finally bury the stain of match-fixing that has dogged the sport in recent years.
Wu’s journey to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. Turning professional in 2021, he reached his first ranking event final at the 2024 English Open, where he defeated six top-ranked players before falling to Neil Robertson in a thrilling 9-7 final. His breakthrough came at the 2025 International Championship, where he outplayed John Higgins 10-6 to claim his first ranking title and secure a spot in the world’s top 16. But it was his crowning achievement at the 2026 World Snooker Championship—defeating Mark Allen 17-16 in the semis and Shaun Murphy in the final—that cemented his status as a global star and inspired a new generation of Chinese players.
Ferguson, a former professional snooker player and now the driving force behind the sport’s global growth, has long spoken about the potential for snooker to become a mainstream sport in China. “The interest that greeted Wu’s triumph is unprecedented,” Ferguson said in recent interviews. “We’re seeing young people across China picking up cues, filling halls, and watching matches with the same fervor as they do for table tennis. This is a moment that could redefine snooker’s trajectory, not just in China but worldwide.”
Yet the path to redemption has not been smooth. Snooker in China has been marred by one of the sport’s darkest chapters: a match-fixing scandal that erupted in 2023. Ten Chinese players, including 2021 Masters champion Yan Bingtao and UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong, were charged with manipulating games, approaching players to cheat, and betting on matches. Two players, Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, received lifetime bans, while eight others faced suspensions ranging from 20 months to five years. The scandal, the largest in snooker’s history, dealt a severe blow to the sport’s integrity and reputation in China.
The Table Tennis Effect
Table tennis is more than just a sport in China; it is a cultural phenomenon. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the game has been nurtured by the state as a symbol of national pride and excellence. China’s dominance in international table tennis competitions, particularly the Olympics, has fostered a deep-seated passion among the Chinese public. The sport’s accessibility—requiring minimal space and equipment—has made it a staple in schools, parks, and community centers across the country.
Snooker, with its intricate rules and perceived elitism, has struggled to replicate this level of engagement. However, Wu’s success is changing that narrative. His underdog story, combined with his charismatic presence and technical mastery, has resonated deeply with Chinese audiences. The WPBSA is now leveraging this momentum to expand grassroots participation, with initiatives aimed at introducing snooker to schools and youth clubs. Ferguson has emphasized the need for transparency and clean competition as the foundation for this growth, acknowledging that the sport’s future hinges on its ability to distance itself from past controversies.
A New Era for Chinese Snooker
Wu’s victories have not only boosted morale but have also provided a much-needed distraction from the fallout of the match-fixing scandal. The WPBSA, in collaboration with Chinese authorities, has implemented stricter anti-corruption measures, including enhanced monitoring of player behavior and financial transactions. The goal is clear: to restore trust and position snooker as a sport of integrity and excellence.
Yet challenges remain. The sport’s global audience, while growing, still pales in comparison to the billions who follow table tennis. Snooker’s complexity and the high skill ceiling required to compete at the top level mean that sustained investment in youth development is critical. Ferguson and the WPBSA are working to address these issues, but the road ahead is long and uncertain.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the next major checkpoint for snooker in China will be the 2026 Masters, where Wu Yize will make his debut. His performance at this prestigious event will be closely watched, not just for its impact on his career but for how it influences the broader perception of snooker in the country. The WPBSA has also announced plans to host more tournaments in China, aiming to deepen the sport’s roots and foster a new generation of talent.
For now, the focus remains on Wu. His story is a reminder of what is possible when passion meets perseverance. As Ferguson puts it, “Wu’s success is a beacon of hope for snooker in China. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative, to show the world that this sport is about skill, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of competition.”
As the cue balls roll and the chalk dust settles, one thing is clear: the future of snooker in China is being written in real time, and Wu Yize is at the heart of it.
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