Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins, two titans of snooker, find themselves at odds over the playing style of rising star Wu Yize. The 22-year-old Chinese prodigy is currently competing in the 2026 World Snooker Championship final against Shaun Murphy at the Crucible Theatre, with a chance to become one of the youngest world champions in history.
Higgins Compares Wu to Paul Hunter
Following Wu's victory over Higgins in the 2025 International Championship final, the Scot praised his opponent, drawing comparisons to the late, great Paul Hunter. Hunter, a three-time Masters champion, tragically passed away in 2006 at the age of 27 after battling a rare form of cancer.
Higgins remarked: "He reminds me so much of the late, great Paul Hunter, the way he plays the game. It goes to show the good hands snooker is in. He's a new superstar. I'm glad that I'll probably be retiring in a couple of years with guys like that potting them off the lampshades. He is a total star."
O'Sullivan Disagrees
However, O'Sullivan, whose World Championship run was ended by Higgins in a second-round classic, offered a different perspective. The Rocket likened Wu to six-time world champion Steve Davis, but with enhanced attributes.
O'Sullivan stated: "I think Wu Yize is going to be the number one in the world within three years. He'll definitely be world champion very quickly. Phenomenal player. A lot of people liken him to Paul Hunter but he's more like a modern-day Steve Davis. When I say modern day, I mean he is more dynamic, more cue power, more aggressive and more scoring power. But his positional play for me is on the same level as Steve Davis."
O'Sullivan added that practicing with Wu gave him a deeper appreciation for the young player's talent: "I practiced with him for two or three days not long ago. It's not until you practice with someone that you can really appreciate how good they are. After day two I thought this kid's really special. I'd just love to see him go and fulfil his potential. I expect him to do a lot of great things in snooker."
Wu's Rise to Prominence
Wu has been a standout prospect since being named the World Snooker Tour's Rookie of the Year in May 2022. He came close to winning his first title in 2024, losing finals at both the English Open and Scottish Open. His breakthrough came at the 2025 International Championship, where he defeated Higgins 10-6 in the final to claim his first ranking title.
In the current World Championship, Wu has overcome Mark Allen, Hossein Vafaei, and Mark Selby to reach the final. Whatever the outcome of Monday's final session, Wu is expected to have many more opportunities to win the world title, having received the stamp of approval from two of snooker's greatest legends.
