NANJING — In a stunning display of composure and break-building, rising star Wu Yize defeated world champion Zhao Xintong 9-6 on Friday to secure a place in the final of the International Championship.
The all-Chinese semi-final clash was a tense affair, but it was the 24-year-old Wu who held his nerve, capitalizing on a series of uncharacteristic errors from his more celebrated opponent to claim the biggest victory of his young career and advance to a final against either Judd Trump or Barry Hawkins.
A Battle of Generations
The match pitted two of China's brightest snooker talents against each other, but with vastly different career trajectories. Zhao Xintong, the 2021 UK Champion and 2022 German Masters winner, carries the weight of being a proven champion. Wu Yize, meanwhile, has long been touted for greatness but is now delivering on that promise in a major ranking event.
From the outset, it was clear that Wu was not intimidated by Zhao's pedigree. He opened the match with a confident break of 68 to take the first frame, immediately setting the tone. The first session was a tight, tactical battle, with the players trading frames and entering the mid-session interval locked at 2-2.
The turning point came after the break. Wu, displaying a newfound maturity, won three frames in a row, including a superb century break of 107, to establish a commanding 5-2 lead. Zhao managed to pull one back, but Wu ended the afternoon session with a 6-3 advantage, leaving the world champion with a significant mountain to climb in the evening.
Evening Session: Wu Holds Firm
The evening session saw Zhao Xintong come out fighting, as expected. He quickly reduced the deficit, taking the first two frames to close the gap to 6-5 and signal his intent to mount a classic comeback. The pressure was firmly on Wu's shoulders, but the young contender responded magnificently.
A crucial 11th frame saw both players have opportunities, but it was Wu who eventually clinched it to stop Zhao's momentum and move to 7-5. He then extended his lead with a break of 85, moving to within one frame of the final at 8-5. Zhao, showing his champion's heart, refused to yield, compiling a brilliant 131 clearance to make it 8-6 and keep his faint hopes alive.
However, any thoughts of a dramatic turnaround were swiftly extinguished. In the 15th frame, Wu Yize seized his chance, crafting a match-winning break of 78 to cross the finish line and secure a famous 9-6 victory. The win marks his first-ever appearance in the final of a major ranking event.
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis
Speaking to reporters after the match, an elated Wu Yize struggled to contain his emotions. "I am so happy and so excited," he said. "To beat a player of Zhao's quality, the world champion, in such a big tournament is an incredible feeling. I tried to stay calm and focus on my own game, and it worked. This is a huge step for me."
For Zhao Xintong, the loss is a setback in his quest for a third ranking title. Known for his flamboyant, attacking style, he was uncharacteristically scrappy at times, with his safety play letting him down. Analysts pointed to Wu's ability to disrupt Zhao's rhythm as a key factor in the match.
The statistics from the match tell a compelling story of Wu's efficiency and Zhao's struggles:
• Wu Yize: Two century breaks (107, 131) and three further breaks over 50.
• Zhao Xintong: One century break (131) but a lower pot success rate in key moments.
• The match was ultimately decided in the mid-session of the first session and the immediate response to Zhao's fightback in the evening.
What This Means for Wu Yize's Career
This victory is more than just a place in a final; it is a career-defining moment for Wu Yize. Previously known as a talented player with potential, he has now announced himself on the world stage by defeating a top-tier opponent under immense pressure. The run in Nanjing has seen him defeat a series of strong players, building momentum with each round.
His performance highlights several key improvements in his game:
• Mental Fortitude: He did not fold when Zhao mounted his comeback, showing resilience that has sometimes been missing from his game.
• Tactical Discipline: He mixed his prolific break-building with disciplined safety, forcing errors from Zhao.
• Self-Belief: Beating a compatriot and established star like Zhao will inject a massive dose of confidence into his career.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Wu Yize now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Judd Trump and Barry Hawkins. Regardless of his opponent, he will start the final as the underdog, but he has proven in this tournament that he possesses the game and the temperament to challenge the very best.
A victory in the final would not only grant him his first ranking title but also catapult him into the upper echelons of the world rankings and solidify his status as the next great Chinese snooker star. The snooker world will be watching closely to see if he can complete his remarkable journey in Nanjing.
For Zhao Xintong, the focus will shift to regrouping and analyzing the flaws exposed in his game. While a semi-final run is a respectable result, for a player of his caliber, it will feel like a missed opportunity, especially on home soil. The defeat to his younger compatriot will undoubtedly add an extra layer of motivation for the tournaments to come.
The International Championship has provided a thrilling narrative of a changing of the guard within Chinese snooker. Wu Yize's breakthrough performance signals the arrival of a serious new contender on the World Snooker Tour, one who is no longer just a prospect, but a genuine threat.
