Ronnie O’Sullivan makes prediction for ‘unbelievable’ world champion Wu Yize
Ronnie O’Sullivan Predicts Wu Yize’s Rise to World Snooker Stardom
Ronnie O Sullivan makes prediction for unbelievable - Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time world snooker champion, has taken an interest in 22-year-old Wu Yize, a rising star in the sport. During a recent interview, the veteran player remarked that Wu is still in the early stages of his career and has the potential to become a dominant force. “He’s an unbelievable talent, an incredible player,” O’Sullivan said, emphasizing Wu’s meteoric rise and the impact he could have in the coming years.
Wu Yize’s Breakthrough in 2026
Wu Yize’s 2026 World Snooker Championship victory marked a defining moment in his career. The Chinese player stunned the snooker world by defeating Shaun Murphy in a thrilling final, winning 18-17 at the Crucible Theatre. This triumph followed a dramatic semifinal against Mark Allen, where Wu secured a 17-16 victory. Earlier in the tournament, he had already eliminated top players like Hossein Vafaei and Mark Selby, signaling his readiness to challenge the sport’s elite.
O’Sullivan’s Mentorship Role
O’Sullivan has been actively involved in guiding Wu Yize, offering strategic advice during key matches. His mentorship extended to Wu’s Crucible final, where he provided insights to help the young player refine his game. “He still can improve so much more,” O’Sullivan noted, expressing belief in Wu’s future. “Imagine how good he can possibly be. He’s an amazing talent, and he’s so young, so early in his career. He’s just going to get better and better,” he added, highlighting the potential for Wu to surpass current benchmarks.
The collaboration between O’Sullivan and Wu Yize is part of a broader trend of the legend engaging with rising stars. Earlier in 2025, he worked with Zhao Xintong, another Chinese prodigy, during practice sessions. Zhao’s historic 2025 world championship win had already captured global attention, and O’Sullivan has praised his skill. “Zhao Xintong is an amazing player, always been my favorite among Chinese competitors,” he said, while also acknowledging Wu’s unique qualities. “This kid is very, very special. To see him win last year was fantastic, and now to watch Wu claim the title this year is just incredible.”
O’Sullivan’s focus on developing young talent stems from his belief in their untapped potential. “When I see great talent and they don’t win tournaments, I think they should win,” he explained. His interactions with Wu and Zhao have been brief but impactful, often requiring minimal input to spark significant progress. “I didn’t tell them much, maybe just a little bit, but sometimes just a little bit is all you need,” he added, underscoring his role as a mentor to the next generation.
While O’Sullivan remains dedicated to snooker, he has begun exploring opportunities in other cue sports. This month, he competed in the Huacai Billiards World Open, where he lost in the last 32. The tournament, held in Deqing, China, is a major event in the realm of 8-ball pool, a discipline gaining popularity in Asia. “I’m still playing snooker and enjoying it,” O’Sullivan said, but he admitted to being intrigued by the growth of the pool scene. “The tournaments are great, the sponsors are good, and the players are incredible. It’s something to look forward to in three or four years’ time,” he hinted.
O’Sullivan’s comments reflect the growing influence of Chinese players in snooker. With Wu Yize and Zhao Xintong leading the charge, the sport is witnessing a new era of talent from the region. “We’ve got two young great Chinese players having this rivalry and there’s many more coming through,” he observed. This generational shift has not only captivated fans but also redefined the global landscape of snooker, with O’Sullivan seeing it as a natural progression for the game.