Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed a surprising preference for this year’s World Snooker Championship, throwing his support behind rising Chinese star Wu Yize after reportedly offering him extra guidance behind the scenes.
The seven-time world champion, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport, has always been selective about the players he praises publicly. However, his recent comments suggest he sees something special in Wu, whose rapid development over the past season has caught the attention of fans and professionals alike.
Speaking candidly about the tournament, O’Sullivan admitted that while he doesn’t usually get emotionally invested in who lifts the trophy, this year feels different. He pointed to Wu’s dedication, temperament, and willingness to learn as key reasons why he would like to see the young player succeed on snooker’s biggest stage.
Wu Yize, still in the early stages of his professional career, has been steadily building momentum with a series of impressive performances. Known for his fluid cue action and fearless shot selection, he represents a new wave of attacking players emerging from China. His composure under pressure has also drawn praise, particularly in high-stakes matches where more experienced opponents might expect to dominate.
O’Sullivan’s involvement appears to have gone beyond mere words of encouragement. Reports suggest he has spent time practicing with Wu and offering tactical advice, helping him refine aspects of his game such as shot selection, safety play, and mental resilience. For a young player, access to that level of experience is invaluable.
“He listens, which is rare,” O’Sullivan reportedly said. “A lot of players think they know everything already, but he’s open. That gives him a chance to go far.”
The endorsement carries significant weight. O’Sullivan has previously mentored or influenced several players, but he has rarely singled out one as a preferred champion. His backing could add both motivation and pressure for Wu, who now enters the latter stages of the tournament with growing expectations.
Despite the spotlight, Wu has remained grounded. In interviews, he has emphasized his focus on taking matches one frame at a time and continuing to learn, regardless of results. He acknowledged the value of O’Sullivan’s input but stopped short of suggesting it guarantees success.
“I’m just trying to improve every day,” Wu said. “Having advice from someone like him is amazing, but I still have to do the work at the table.”
As the World Championship progresses, all eyes will be on whether Wu can turn potential into silverware. The Crucible Theatre has a history of crowning new stars, and a victory for Wu would mark a significant milestone not only for his career but also for the continued global growth of snooker.
For O’Sullivan, the hope is simple: that talent, hard work, and the right mindset are rewarded. Whether Wu Yize can fulfill that vision remains to be seen, but with one of the sport’s greatest figures quietly in his corner, his chances may be stronger than ever.
Be the first to comment