Wu Yize gets hero's welcome in Xi'an after world snooker title
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 7
Wu Yize gets hero's welcome in Xi'an after world snooker title
15 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 7
The 22-year-old, now the second-youngest world champion, was greeted by chanting fans at the TNT billiards club on his return to western China.
Wu, who left school at 16 to pursue snooker in Sheffield, said it was great to feel the warmth of his homeland and played exhibition shots with supporters.
His victory has intensified China's snooker boom, with about 60 million people playing annually, 300,000 halls nationwide and Chinese players making up roughly a quarter of the professional circuit.
What is the hidden cost for the many young Chinese players who sacrifice education for a professional snooker dream?
How did China produce two consecutive world champions, and can the UK's new academy system truly compete?
Will the rise of Chinese champions finally shift snooker's historic center of power and major tournaments away from the UK?