Chinese snooker player Wu Yize reaches 2026 World Championship final in Sheffield

Wu Yize has advanced to the 2026 World Snooker Championship final following a victory over Mark Allen in the semi-final. The match took place in Sheffield, where the 22-year-old Chinese player secured his spot in the best-of-35 frames decider scheduled for Sunday. This result marks China's second successive year of producing a finalist at the World Championship, extending the nation's presence at the sport's premier event.

In the semi-final, Wu Yize defeated Allen after the Northern Irishman missed a simple black to win, a moment that propelled the Chinese player into the final. His opponent in the Sunday showdown will be defending champion Shaun Murphy, who has been performing strongly throughout the tournament. Murphy previously defeated Zhao Xintong and has maintained high scoring levels, presenting a significant challenge for Wu. The final represents a contest between two of the most attacking players in the sport, though it also pits different generations against one another.

Wu Yize's journey to this stage involved a significant relocation from his home city of Lanzhou to Sheffield at the age of 16. Upon arriving in the UK, he initially resided in a windowless flat and shared a bed with his father before turning professional at 17. This period of adjustment laid the groundwork for his breakthrough 2025–26 season, which included winning his first ranking title at the International Championship in Nanjing and reaching the Masters semi-finals on his debut.

The 22-year-old has been tipped as a future world champion by industry legends Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy, following in the footsteps of last year's winner, Zhao Xintong. O'Sullivan and Scottish great John Higgins have previously offered advice and guidance to Wu, helping to shape his development. Wu, who currently sits 10th in the world rankings, could potentially climb to fourth if he secures the title. A victory in the final would make him the second youngest player to win the world crown, behind only Stephen Hendry.

Beyond the statistics, Wu Yize has spoken openly about the pressure he faced during his early career struggles. He admitted to feeling significant stress and not being mentally in a good place when prize money was scarce. He revealed that if he wins the £500,000 winner's cheque, he intends to purchase his ideal home, noting that his mother still lives in China and visits only occasionally. His mother is currently in Sheffield for the tournament, supporting her son during this crucial moment.

Wu is noted for his swashbuckling, attacking style of play and his individuality, which was previously highlighted by his mullet hairstyle. While he has recently dispensed with that look, his refusal to conform to the sport's traditional formal attire underscores his unique approach. The 22-year-old enjoys playing mobile games such as Honour of Kings and League of Legends and cites The Shawshank Redemption as his favourite movie. He stated his intention to give his best efforts to try to win the World Championship, acknowledging the tough match ahead against Murphy.