Mark Selby was taken aback by Wu Yize's audacious shot selection during the Chinese player's triumphant World Championship campaign. The 22-year-old prodigy secured his maiden Crucible title earlier this month after an epic 18-17 win over Shaun Murphy, having also overcome Mark Allen in a final-frame thriller in the semi-finals.
Earlier in the competition, Wu had registered his first-ever win against four-time world champion Selby. His 13-11 success included one of the tournament's standout moments - a daring two-cushion plant into the middle pocket after finding himself in an awkward position behind the yellow.
Stephen Hendry attempted to replicate the shot on his Cue Tips YouTube show and disclosed how Selby - regarded as one of snooker's finest tactical minds - responded to Wu's unconventional shot selection.
Hendry Recalls Selby's Reaction
The seven-time world champion said: "I remember speaking to Mark during this match between sessions. He was saying he was laughing at some of the shot choices Wu Yize was making. He couldn't believe some of the balls he was going for with the risk of leaving things on, but he had the confidence to go for them."
On attempting the shot in question, Hendry added: "There's a safety shot on but he sees there's a plant, a straight plant into the middle pocket."
Recreating the Audacious Plant
After impressively making the shot at just the second attempt, Hendry said: "So he decides to try and play off two cushions and pot the plant into the middle. I think Mark Selby was laughing in his seat. It was an unbelievable shot to play."
Having impressively pulled off the shot at just the second attempt, Hendry remarked: "When you're playing it, it's not actually the most difficult shot, but when you're playing it at the World Championship... If he gets that contact and the plant is slightly wrong, it probably doesn't go in and you're leaving Mark Selby in the balls. A very brave shot. Some might say reckless but I say it was the right shot."
Hendry Sees a Kindred Spirit
Hendry, who ruled the sport with his aggressive, attacking approach throughout the 1990s, recognises a kindred spirit in Wu. Writing in his Cue Tips blog, the Scot said: "He plays the game I played. He backs himself to pot anything at any stage, no matter what pressure is on, no matter what position the match is at. He just backs himself to pot the big shots."
He went on to suggest that Wu and 2025 world champion Zhao Xintong could hold sway over the sport for years ahead. He said: "They are both still in their 20s and could drive each other on. I can't wait to see that. There's also Chang Bingyu from China, who's improving all the time."
