SHEFFIELD — In a stunning endorsement of a rising star, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has declared that China’s Wu Yize is destined for the very top of the sport. The seven-time world champion, known for his brutally honest and often sparing praise of his peers, stated that the "really special" 20-year-old will become world number one within the next three years.
O’Sullivan made the bold prediction following his own commanding victory at the World Open in Yushan, China, where he defeated Wu 5-2 in the quarter-finals. Despite the loss, Wu’s performance, which included a break of 135, clearly left a profound impression on ‘The Rocket’. Speaking to reporters, O’Sullivan didn’t hold back, saying, "He’s so talented. I think he’ll be world number one in three years. He’s that good. He’s a really special talent."
A Talent That Demands Attention
Wu Yize, born in January 2004, is part of a formidable new wave of Chinese snooker players challenging the traditional dominance of British and European stars. While names like Ding Junhui paved the way and current sensations like Zhang Anda and Si Jiahao make headlines, O’Sullivan’s specific focus on Wu signals something different. It’s not just about potential; it’s about a complete package in the making. O’Sullivan elaborated, "He’s better than all the Chinese players, I think."
This is high praise indeed, considering the current landscape. The veteran champion pointed to Wu’s cue action, temperament, and scoring ability as key differentiators. For O’Sullivan, whose own game is built on fluid, attacking brilliance, Wu’s technique appears to resonate deeply. He suggested that with the right guidance and experience, Wu has the fundamental tools to not just win tournaments, but to dominate the sport in a way few have.
The Path to the Summit
Reaching world number one is a monumental task that requires consistency, mental fortitude, and success across an entire season. Currently ranked outside the world’s top 50, Wu’s three-year timeline is ambitious. However, his recent trajectory supports growing optimism. His run to the quarter-finals in Yushan, which included victories over seasoned pros, followed a strong showing at the Welsh Open. The key areas for his development, as highlighted by pundits and O’Sullivan’s implicit praise, include:
- Experience in Deep Stages: Converting quarter and semi-final appearances into titles.
- Tactical Maturity: Building a robust all-round game to win matches even when not at peak scoring form.
- Consistency: Performing week-in, week-out on the demanding tour schedule.
O’Sullivan himself acknowledged this journey, noting, "He just needs to believe it and get a bit more experience." The mental side of snooker is often the final frontier for prodigious talents. Learning to handle the pressure of being the favourite, managing expectations (now magnified by O’Sullivan’s comments), and grinding out results will be Wu’s next great challenge.
The O’Sullivan Effect
An endorsement from Ronnie O’Sullivan carries unparalleled weight in snooker. His opinions, whether critical or complimentary, become immediate talking points. For Wu Yize, this public vote of confidence is a double-edged sword: it brings immense encouragement and global spotlight, but also piles on external pressure. Historically, O’Sullivan has been quick to identify special talent, having previously praised the likes of Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong in their formative years.
The snooker community has largely echoed O’Sullivan’s sentiment regarding Wu’s raw ability. Former world champion Ken Doherty has also spoken highly of the Chinese youngster’s smooth style and composure at the table. The consensus is that Wu possesses the natural gift that cannot be taught. The question now is whether he can build the championship mentality to match. As O’Sullivan put it, drawing from his own experience, "When you’re that good, it’s just about getting the mind right."
A New Era for Global Snooker
Wu Yize’s potential ascent aligns with a broader shift in snooker’s geography. The sport is experiencing unprecedented growth in China, with a booming fanbase, increasing numbers of professional players, and major tournaments hosted regularly. The prospect of a Chinese world number one, following Ding Junhui’s historic reign at the top, would be a transformative moment for the game’s global appeal and commercial future.
This Chinese surge is creating a highly competitive environment. Wu is not alone; he is part of a cohort pushing each other to new heights. This internal rivalry, combined with the inspiration from established stars, creates a perfect incubator for excellence. O’Sullivan’s prediction, therefore, isn’t just about one player; it’s a recognition of a changing of the guard, where the traditional powerbase of snooker faces its most sustained and talented challenge yet.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s declaration that Wu Yize will be world number one within three years is one of the most significant pieces of praise in recent snooker memory. It comes not from a place of hyperbole, but from the keen eye of the sport’s greatest ever player recognizing a kindred spirit of pure talent. While the path from prodigy to pinnacle is fraught with obstacles, Wu now carries the belief of the very best. "He’s a fantastic player," O’Sullivan reiterated, leaving no doubt about his conviction.
The snooker world will now watch Wu Yize’s career with intensified interest. Every tournament, every century break, every deep run will be scrutinized as a step toward fulfilling O’Sullivan’s prophecy. For Wu, the message is clear: he has the tools, he has the endorsement, and the next three years will be about proving that Ronnie O’Sullivan’s vision of the future is correct. The journey to number one starts now.
