Ask Onix
Rock-star welcome for world snooker champion in Xi'an
Wu Yize, the 22-year-old snooker prodigy, received a hero's welcome at a billiards club in Xi'an this week, as fans chanted and cheered his return to China. The newly crowned world champion, who secured back-to-back titles, waved modestly to the crowd, visibly unaccustomed to the sudden adoration.
A dream realized against the odds
Wu's journey to the top has captivated the nation. At 16, he left school to move to Sheffield, England, chasing his professional snooker ambitions. His victory makes him the second-youngest player ever to win the world championship, a feat that has amplified his underdog story.
When asked about the overwhelming fan turnout, Wu smiled softly. "It's great to feel the warmth of my homeland," he said.
Inspiring a new generation
At the Xi'an club, Wu demonstrated his skills to an awestruck audience, even playing a match against Liu Yifei, a fan who had won a local playoff for the opportunity. Liu credited Wu's success with fueling her own determination. "In China, more people are playing than ever," she said. "The sport is growing fast."
China's snooker boom is undeniable. An estimated 60 million people play billiards annually across 300,000 halls nationwide. Chinese players now account for a quarter of the professional circuit, a number expected to rise as young talents emerge.
"One day, I'd like to be champion like Wu Yize."
An eight-year-old aspiring player
The economic and emotional appeal of snooker
Snooker's affordability has helped its popularity surge, particularly in western China, where economic growth lags behind the southeast. Wu's roots in Gansu province-a less affluent region known for its deserts-have added to his rags-to-riches narrative.
Fans shared stories of his early struggles, including living in a windowless flat with his father in Sheffield. Wu has vowed to use his prize money to secure a home for his parents in England, a promise that has endeared him further to supporters.
Devotion from fans across China
One admirer traveled hours by high-speed train from Gansu to Xi'an, clutching a photo of Wu for an autograph. "I knew he'd become great," the fan said. "Now I love him even more."
The champion's success has not only elevated his profile but also spotlighted China's growing influence in the sport, with more young players aiming to follow in his footsteps.
