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Stephy Zhang

Wu Yize returned to China to a hero’s welcome when he appeared at a packed billiards club in Xi’an on Thursday night after winning the World Snooker Championship.
The newly crowned champion only arrived back to China the night before, but he still attended the meet-and-greet from 7pm to midnight.
The event included three sessions of autograph signings, photos and trick-shot performances, but the second session was reportedly cancelled due to overcrowding. The third session went ahead as planned.
Wu entered the venue at around 8pm, where fans “booed” to welcome him, because the pronunciation of his surname “Wu” is similar to the Chinese word for jeering.
A fan from Gansu working in Xi’an said she travelled to “join the excitement” after seeing news of his appearance on social media, adding she felt proud to see a player from her home province win. Wu was born in Lanzhou in Gansu province.
Several attendees were selected to play against the 22-year-old or take photos, but fans on social media described the arrangements as chaotic.

“It was such a scam. Forget about signings; anyone who made contact [tried to take photos or interact with Wu] was immediately driven away ... at least Wu Yize can end this ordeal now, it really wasn’t for him,” one fan remarked.
Many internet users noted the champion’s visible exhaustion and urged the club to allow him time to recover from jet lag.
“He had some control over his expressions during the photos at first, but later his face just stayed like that. In the end, someone shouted dissatisfaction and it just ended. The kid is too tired; it is time for it to be over,” another fan said.
Wu owns a billiards club in Lanzhou, which saw a sudden surge in popularity, with staff noting that many people visited to take photos following his victory.
“I am very happy Lanzhou boy Wu Yize won the world championship. I came to this practice room today to have a look and share some of the good fortune,” local fan Liu Gang told a regional television station.
Other fans at the club said they followed his progress since the semi-finals, viewing the championship as recognition of Wu’s technical skill.

“I am very proud,” fan He Linbo said. “This Lanzhou boy represented our city to win a world title and brought us honour. Bringing honour to China is our pride.”
Club staff previously told other media outlets that everyone stayed up late to watch the final and felt immense excitement and pride upon his victory.
They added that further celebratory activities were currently being prepared.
Following the Xi’an event, Wu will head to Guangzhou for tomorrow’s two-day exhibition match featuring some of the world’s top players, such as Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Williams and Mark Selby.


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World Snooker

China’s Wu Yize returns to hero’s welcome after winning World Snooker Championship

Wu Yize (centre) appeared at a packed billiards club in Xi’an on Thursday night after winning the World Snooker Championship. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Wu Yize was mobbed by eager fans at his appearance in Xi’an on Thursday. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Some fans at the event said the world champion looked exhausted. Photo: Xiaohongshu

China’s snooker world champions cue up a bright future for the sport

China’s Wu Yize celebrates after winning the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, UK, on May 4. Photo: Xinhua

Ex-China gymnast ‘regains dignity’ after paying off family’s debt through cultural videos

Wu Liufang intends to use future savings to buy a flat with a lift for her parents to ease their mobility issues. Photo: Wu Liufang’s Douyin screenshot

Wu Liufang (centre) appears with her father (left) and mother in the interview to discuss how she cleared the family’s debt. Photo: Spot News

Wu Liufang initially tried to build a personal brand as a retired gymnast, but found it hard to gain followers. Photo: Wu Liufang’s Douyin screenshot

Sport

Other Sport

Some fans at meet-and-greet at a billiards club in Xi’an unhappy with organisation of event, while others said the 22-year-old looked exhausted


Some fans at meet-and-greet at a billiards club in Xi’an unhappy with organisation of event, while others said the 22-year-old looked exhausted.


Judd Trump

China’s Wu Yize returns to hero’s welcome after winning World Snooker Championship

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Some fans at meet-and-greet at a billiards club in Xi’an unhappy with organisation of event, while others said the 22-year-old looked exhausted

Some fans at meet-and-greet at a billiards club in Xi’an unhappy with organisation of event, while others said the 22-year-old looked exhausted