TIANJIN — In a landmark moment for Chinese snooker, 20-year-old Wu Yize has etched his name into the history books, powering past the legendary John Higgins 10-6 in the final of the International Championship to claim his maiden ranking title.
The victory at the Tianjin People's Gymnasium on Sunday marks a seismic shift in the sport's landscape, crowning a new champion from a nation increasingly dominant in the game. Wu, hailed as a "total star" by his vanquished opponent, displayed a breathtaking blend of break-building prowess and steely nerve to overcome the four-time World Champion.
A Dream Realized Against a Giant
Facing one of the sport's all-time greats in his first major final, few would have predicted such a commanding performance from the young Chinese prodigy. Higgins, a veteran of 41 ranking finals, started as the favourite, but from the outset, it was clear that Wu was not overawed by the occasion. The final was a high-quality affair, punctuated by a barrage of heavy scoring from both players.
Wu set the tone early, compiling breaks of 68 and 71 to establish a 2-0 lead. Higgins, ever the competitor, responded with a magnificent 135 total clearance to get on the board. The first session ebbed and flowed, with Wu managing to maintain a narrow lead, heading into the evening session with a 5-4 advantage.
The evening session, however, was where Wu truly announced himself on the world stage. He emerged with a renewed focus, winning four of the first five frames with a devastating display of potting and tactical acumen. A crucial period saw him fire in consecutive century breaks of 103 and 120, extending his lead to 9-5 and moving to the brink of victory.
Higgins' Fightback Falls Short
To his immense credit, Higgins, known for his remarkable fighting spirit, refused to capitulate. He dug deep to take a tightly-contested 15th frame, keeping his faint hopes alive and delaying Wu's coronation. The pressure was now squarely back on the young Chinese player, needing just one frame for the biggest win of his life.
Any signs of nerves, however, were swiftly extinguished. In the 16th frame, Wu seized his opportunity, crafting a cool and composed break of 65 to cross the winning line. As the final ball dropped, he let out a roar of triumph, embracing the moment as he became the first Chinese winner of the International Championship since Ding Junhui in 2013.
A gracious Higgins was full of praise for the new champion in his post-match interview, telling reporters, "He was unbelievable. To make two centuries in a final, the way he closed the match out was fantastic. He's a total star."
The Making of a Champion
Wu's journey to this point has been one of steady progression. Turning professional in 2017, he has long been touted as one of the next great talents to emerge from China's prolific snooker system. His breakthrough season last year saw him reach the semi-finals of the Welsh Open, but this victory represents a quantum leap.
The victory is not just a personal triumph for Wu but a significant moment for Chinese snooker, reinforcing the nation's depth beyond its established stars like Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong. Wu's win underscores the burgeoning talent pool that promises to dominate the sport for years to come.
The key factors in Wu's victorious campaign included:
- Clinical Heavy Scoring: Throughout the tournament, Wu compiled 11 century breaks, demonstrating his top-tier break-building ability.
- Mental Fortitude: He held his nerve in several close matches, including a 6-5 quarter-final win over Tom Ford.
- Fearless Approach: Facing Higgins, he played attacking, positive snooker rather than adopting a safety-first mentality.
A New Era for Chinese Snooker
The emotional weight of the victory was palpable as Wu addressed the home crowd. "I'm so happy, I can't describe it," he said. "To win my first ranking title in China, in front of my home fans, and against John Higgins, it's a dream come true. I have looked up to him since I was a kid."
The win propels Wu into the world's top 32 for the first time in his career, securing his place at all the sport's major invitational events and relieving the pressure of tour survival. The £175,000 winner's cheque is also the biggest payday of his young career by a significant margin.
For Higgins, the defeat marks another near-miss in a ranking final, but his sportsmanship and recognition of Wu's talent highlighted the class that has defined his career. He added, "He potted some unbelievable balls at crucial times. China has another fantastic player."
Conclusion: The 'Total Star' Arrives
Wu Yize's victory at the International Championship is more than just a first title; it is a statement. By defeating a legend of the calibre of John Higgins in such a commanding fashion, he has announced his arrival as a genuine force on the World Snooker Tour.
His performance combined the fearless attacking flair of youth with the tactical maturity of a seasoned pro. As the snooker world looks ahead, the emergence of Wu Yize as a ranking event winner signals a compelling new chapter, not only for his own career but for the global balance of power in the sport.
The 'total star' has truly arrived, and his victory in Tianjin will be remembered as the moment a new Chinese snooker king was crowned, promising to inspire a new generation of players in his homeland and challenge the established order for years to come.
