Snooker enthusiasts tuning into the BBC's live coverage of the World Snooker Championship final were left incensed after perceiving jeers directed at Wu Yize. The Chinese cueist secured an 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy at the Crucible Theatre on Monday evening, clinching his maiden title at the prestigious tournament.
This triumph came despite Wu entering the 2026 World Championship without having won a single match at the iconic Sheffield venue. During his remarkable run to glory, Wu overcame Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, Hossein Vafaei, and Mark Allen before ultimately prevailing over the 'Magician' in the final.
Yet it appeared as though the audience inside the Crucible were booing Wu as he lifted the trophy. Fans following the BBC's broadcast from home flocked to social media to express their anger as a result.
One viewer posted: "I'm disgusted by the audience in The Crucible booing Wu Yize. Bunch of bullies, they should be barred. The lad is an amazing player and he won the Championship fair and square!"
Another commented: "The boo's are pathetic. Don't go to the snooker if you can't take losing, you twerps," while a third said: "Not a fan of the booing at the snooker honestly supposed to be a gentleman's sport."
A fourth asked: "Am I mistaken, or did an audience just boo a Snooker world champion?" while a fifth fumed: "Shocking to hear so called fans boo at the snooker final today. Really poor sports fans."
A sixth wrote: "Why are none of the commentators calling out the booing from the crowd at the snooker final when Wu Yize wins a game? It's appalling!" while a seventh vented: "Watching snooker final, wtf are people booing Wu Yize? Never heard that done before in the crucible. Usually a well managed affair."
However, the audience were not actually booing Wu, but rather "Wuuuuuing" him in encouragement. It is a gesture that the player addressed in his winner's speech, revealing that he was initially baffled by it, also believing he was being greeted with hostile jeers.
He said: "At the beginning, I had a misunderstanding. I thought the people were booing me! But then the staff told me they were cheering. I can't thank you enough. No matter who you support, I think the love for snooker is mutual."
A number of other social media users understood the display of support, working to provide clarification for those who also presumed that Wu was being booed. One posted: "They were not booing they were 'Wuuuing' think people would have been kicked out if it was the former."
Another commented: "Don't worry, even Wu Yize thought the fans were booing him to begin with. Amazing talent, expect to see this fella in a lot more finals!"
It comes as the 22-year-old Yize also paid tribute to his parents while speaking following his victory - his mother and father visibly emotional during the trophy ceremony. He explained: "I have been trying to go for this dream for ages. I am so happy. My parents are the true champions."
"Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been at my side. My mum has also gone through a lot over the years. They are the source of my strength. I love them so much."
