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Wu Yize receives telling comments from Ding Junhui after winning World Snooker Championship

Wu Yize won a dramatic World Snooker Championship final against Shaun Murphy to secure the trophy and a 500,000 prize

[Wu Yize.]

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Wu Yize won the World Snooker Championship at just 22 years old(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

Ding Junhui has paid tribute to Wu Yize for ushering in the "dawn of an era" for Chinese snooker following his World Championship victory. The 22-year-old edged out Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a gripping final, banking 500,000 and furthering an exciting new trend of major tournament winners.

In 2025, Zhao Xintong lifted the World Snooker Championship trophy against Mark Williams, becoming the first Chinese winner and the first non-British champion since Belgium's Luca Brecel in 2023.

Wu carried on this fresh wave of victors against Murphy, clinching the world title just five years after turning professional. Ding offered his congratulations to his fellow Chinese player, declaring that a new "dawn" is only just beginning for the sport.

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Posting on Weibo, the 39-year-old wrote: "I am happy for you, and I am also proud of how far Chinese snooker has come.

"From Zhao Xintong to Wu Yize, for two consecutive years, Chinese players have stood atop the podium at the World Championships. This is not just a breakthrough, but the dawn of our era!"

Only three Chinese players have ever reached a final at the Crucible, including champions Zhao and Wu. Ding made the deciding match as the first Asian star to do so in 2016, but was beaten by Mark Selby.

[Ding Junhui.]

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Ding Junhui believes a new era of snooker is already beginning(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

Wu opened up about his feelings following the remarkable victory, admitting his family were instrumental in his success. The young champion said: "I have been trying to go for this for ages.

"For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side.

"My mum has also been going through a lot over the years. They are the source of my strength, I love them so much."

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