WU YIZE has revealed the encouraging text he received from Ronnie O’Sullivan midway through the World Snooker Championship final.
Wu Yize has opened up about a private message he received from Ronnie O’Sullivan during one of the biggest moments of his young career — the World Snooker Championship final against Shaun Murphy.
The 20-year-old Chinese star, who has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the sport, found himself on the grandest stage at the Crucible Theatre, facing former world champion Murphy in a gripping final. While the pressure of the occasion was immense, Wu revealed that a timely message from seven-time world champion O’Sullivan helped steady his nerves and refocus his mindset.
According to Wu, the message came midway through the final, at a point when momentum was starting to swing and the intensity of the match was peaking. Rather than offering technical advice, O’Sullivan’s words were simple but powerful — a reminder to trust his natural game and embrace the occasion rather than fear it.
Wu said the message read along the lines of: “Just play your game, enjoy it, don’t overthink. You belong there.”
For a player still relatively new to the sport’s biggest stages, those words carried enormous weight. O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, is known not only for his brilliance on the table but also for his candid insights into the mental side of the game. His encouragement appeared to have an immediate impact on Wu.
“I was surprised, but also very grateful,” Wu said after the match. “To get a message like that during the final from someone like Ronnie — it gave me confidence. It reminded me to stay calm and believe in myself.”
The final itself was a high-quality contest, with Murphy drawing on his experience and tactical nous, while Wu showcased his fearless potting and composure beyond his years. At times, Wu looked every bit the future of the sport, constructing breaks with fluency and attacking intent.
Despite the enormity of the occasion, Wu did not appear overawed. Observers noted his calm demeanor and willingness to take on difficult shots — traits that have quickly made him a fan favorite. The influence of O’Sullivan’s message, he admitted, played a part in maintaining that composure.
“Sometimes in matches like that, your mind can go everywhere,” Wu explained. “You start thinking about the result, the crowd, everything. But after reading the message, I just focused on each shot.”
O’Sullivan has previously spoken about the importance of mental clarity and freedom in snooker, often emphasizing that players perform at their best when they are not burdened by expectation. His advice to Wu echoed that philosophy.
While the final result ultimately depended on fine margins, Wu’s performance confirmed his status as one of the brightest prospects in the game. Reaching the World Championship final at such a young age is a remarkable achievement, and his ability to handle the pressure suggests there is much more to come.
For Wu, the experience — and the unexpected support from one of his idols — will remain a defining moment.
“It’s something I’ll always remember,” he said. “Not just the match, but that message. It meant a lot.”
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