O'Sullivan Praises Wu Yize's Potential

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has expressed strong confidence in Wu Yize, describing the Chinese player as "really special" and predicting that he will become the world number one within three years.

Wu secured his first ranking title in November by defeating four-time world champion John Higgins in the final of the International Championship. Following this victory, Higgins praised the 22-year-old, calling him a "total star" and drawing comparisons to the late Paul Hunter, a three-time Masters champion who passed away in 2006 at the age of 27.

Despite these comparisons, O'Sullivan sees Wu in a different light. He believes Wu's style and skillset are reminiscent of six-time world champion and pundit Steve Davis.

"I think Wu Yize is gong to be world number one, I'd give him three years, definitely going to be world champion very, very soon, [he's a] phenomenal player,"

said O'Sullivan ahead of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.

"A lot of people liken him to Paul Hunter but I think he's more like a modern day Steve Davis.

"He's more dynamic, more cue power, more aggressive, more scoring power but his positional play for me is on the level of Steve Davis, [and the ball] always goes in the middle of the hole."

Wu also made his Masters debut in January, advancing to the semi-finals before narrowly losing 6-5 to eventual champion Kyren Wilson.

O'Sullivan shared insights from his recent practice sessions with Wu in Hong Kong, emphasizing the opportunity to truly appreciate Wu's talent through direct experience.

"I practiced with him for two or three days in Hong Kong not long ago and it's not until you practice with someone that you can really appreciate how good they are. After day two I was like 'this kid is really special'.

"I'd just love to go and see him fulfil his potential as a professional. I expect him to do a lot of great things in snooker."