Wu Yize Receives Rock Star Welcome in Xi'an
Wu Yize entered the TNT billiards club in Xi'an, western China, greeted by loud chanting and cheering that filled the room. Despite the enthusiastic reception, the 22-year-old waved modestly, displaying the shy demeanor of someone unaccustomed to sudden fame in his homeland.
The excitement of the crowd was undiminished as they gathered to see a player who recently reached the pinnacle of the snooker world.
China's Back-to-Back World Champion
Earlier this week, a Chinese player secured the World Snooker Championship title for the second consecutive year, captivating the nation. The achievement is not only remarkable for its repeat success but also for the inspiring journey of Wu Yize, who left school at 16 to move to Sheffield, England, to pursue a professional snooker career.
Wu has now returned to China as the second-youngest world champion in snooker history.
When asked by the BBC about the large turnout of fans, Wu responded with a gentle smile:
"It's great to feel the warmth of my homeland."
Showcasing Skills and Inspiring Fans
The young snooker prodigy demonstrated some impressive shots to an audience that responded with amazement. Among those present was Liu YiFei, who had won a prior play-off at the club to play alongside Wu.
Liu expressed that Wu Yize's success has motivated her to enhance her own abilities and that China anticipates many more players like him emerging in the future.
"In China, so many more people are playing," she said. "More pool halls are opening, and the sport is becoming ever more popular."
Growing Popularity of Snooker in China
It is estimated that approximately 60 million people in China play billiards annually across about 300,000 halls similar to the one in Xi'an. The country is producing a growing number of high-caliber snooker players, who currently represent a quarter of all professionals on the global circuit.
This trend is expected to continue as new generations of players develop their skills.
One young fan, aged eight, told the BBC about his aspirations:
"One day, I'd like to be champion like Wu Yize."
Accessibility and Regional Significance
One factor contributing to snooker's surge in China is its relative affordability, which benefits cities like Xi'an and regions in western China that have not experienced the same economic growth as the southeast.
Wu Yize's home province of Gansu, known for its deserts, is even less economically privileged. His origins add a compelling rags-to-riches dimension to his story.
Stories of Wu sharing a bed with his father in a windowless flat in Sheffield during his teenage years have enhanced the emotional impact of his victory. Wu has announced plans to use his prize money to secure accommodation for his parents in England so they can support him more easily.
Devoted Fans Travel Far to Celebrate
One devoted fan traveled for hours by high-speed train from Wu Yize's home province to Xi'an, bringing a photo of the champion to be signed. The fan expressed great excitement and admiration:
"I knew he'd become great. Now I love him even more," he said.
