Wu Yize prepares to strike during the 2026 World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield. Photo by AP |
The 22-year-old took the world by storm last week, overcoming Shaun Murphy in an epic 35-frame final to secure the World Snooker Championship title.
Upon returning to China on Friday, the viral Wu was greeted by hundreds of supporters eager to welcome their new hero.
However, the celebration soured during an event at a Xi’an billiards club. Originally scheduled to include three sessions of autograph signings, photos and trick-shot exhibitions, the event was abruptly cut short, Express reported.
Organizers cited overcrowding as the primary reason for cancelling the second session, leaving many fans who had traveled long distances feeling betrayed.
Wu also found himself at the center of criticism as attendees voiced their frustration over the lack of access.
“It was such a scam,” an attendee told the South China Morning Post. “Forget about signings; anyone who made contact [tried to take photos or interact with Wu] was immediately driven away. At least Wu Yize can end this ordeal now, it really wasn’t for him.”
Another observer remarked that while Wu tried to maintain his composure initially, he appeared visibly exhausted as the situation worsened.
“He had some control over his expressions during the photos at first, but later his face just stayed like that,” another attendee said. “In the end, someone shouted dissatisfaction and it just ended. The kid is too tired; it is time for it to be over.”
Despite the controversy in Xi’an, Wu’s schedule remained packed as he traveled to Guangzhou for the CBSA Superstar Invitational Tournament. The exhibition featured a star-studded lineup including iconic names such as Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Williams and Mark Selby.
On Saturday, Wu was up against four-time world champion Higgins in a highly anticipated match. The battle was closely contested, as the newly crowned champion lost 4-5.
Wu’s World Snooker Championship title solidified China’s growing dominance in the sport, following in the footsteps of last year’s champion, Zhao Xintong.
Wu is also the second-youngest winner in the sport’s history, trailing only the legendary Stephen Hendry.
This surge in popularity comes as snooker gains momentum for potential inclusion in the 2032 Olympics.
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