Wu Yize sets up World Championship semi-final clash with Mark Allen
Chinese prodigy Wu Yize has reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Mark Allen.
The 22-year-old 10th seed continues his rapid rise to the summit of the sport following a relocation to Yorkshire three years ago.
He follows in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, who made history last year as the first world champion from China.
Overcoming early technical flaws
The Lanzhou native began playing the game as soon as he could hold a cue, with his father dedicating extensive time to nurturing his talent.
At the age of 11, he enrolled at the Yushan International Billiards Academy under the guidance of Australian coach Roger Leighton.
“When he came to me, his highest break was 49. After a couple of weeks, he hit an 86,” Leighton explained.
The experienced coach noted that early technical flaws, including a dropping arm and a moving wrist, initially caused severe consistency issues.
“He would miss too many easy balls, but he was a fun-loving kid who laughed a lot to release pressure.”
Emulating a snooker legend
Despite those early inconsistencies, the Chinese sensation claimed the Under-21 World Championship at just 14 years old.
His transition to the professional tour at 17 was seamless, leading to a debut at the Crucible only two years later.
A maiden ranking title arrived at last season’s International Championship in Nanjing, where he spectacularly defeated world number one Judd Trump from 4-0 down.
That dominant run concluded with a final victory over John Higgins, who offered the ultimate praise in the aftermath.
“He reminds me so much of the late, great Paul Hunter, the way he plays the game,” the Scottish veteran remarked.
Now firmly established among the global elite, the Sheffield-based star stands just two matches away from capturing snooker’s biggest prize.
