A historic moment unfolded at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 5, 2026, as 22-year-old Chinese player Wu Yize (吴宜泽) won an 18-17 thriller to become the first world snooker champion born in the 2000s. As the world applauds his victory, the city of Dongguan in Guangdong is celebrating a major milestone of its own.
(Photo: CCTV)
Wu Yize's path to the world stage was paved in Dongguan.
In 2019, Wu's father sold their only home in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, and relocated the family to Dongguan so his son could receive more professional training. The young talent joined the Ding Junhui Snooker Academy and later underwent three months of intensive "closed-door" training at a top-tier club. During his stay in Dongguan, Wu lived and breathed snooker, honing his skills every day and competing against world-class players. This rigorous professional foundation helped propel him to the top of the snooker world.
Wu Yize participates in a challenge match during his training in Dongguan. (Photo: Dongguan Billiards Association)
Dongguan is widely recognized as China's cradle of snooker champions. Since the establishment of Dongying Billiards Club (东英桌球俱乐部) in 1995, the city has become a magnet for talent. Statistics show that more than 70% of China's professional snooker players have trained in Dongguan at some point in their careers. Leading players such as Zhang Anda, Xiao Guodong, Tian Pengfei, and two-time women's world champion Bai Yulu have all refined their skills here.
Internet meme: Three generations of world snooker champions from China. (Source: Internet)
Today, Dongguan boasts a complete youth training system and world-class facilities, including the world's largest snooker center. The city's sports culture extends beyond the pool table—it is also known as China's Basketball City, the Hometown of Weightlifting, and the Hometown of Dragon Boating.
Snooker fever in Dongguan shows no signs of slowing down. From May 12 to 19, 2026, the World Women's Snooker (WWS) Championship will be held at the Changping Snooker Sports Arena (东莞常平斯诺克运动馆). As Wu Yize's triumph is celebrated, all eyes are once again on Dongguan to see where the next snooker legend will emerge.
Author: Dong Han
