World Snooker Championship 2026: Wu Yize Is A World Champion In The Making, Says Mark Selby

Four-time world champion Mark Selby bowed out of the 2026 World Snooker Championship in the second round, losing 13-11 to China’s emerging talent Wu Yize, the youngest player left in the tournament at just 22.

Wu has been one of the standout stories of the last two seasons, reaching three ranking finals and capturing his maiden title at the International Championship, where he defeated veteran John Higgins 10-6. 

The Chinese star also entered this year’s Crucible as a top-16 seed for the first time and made an immediate impact on his Masters debut in January, reaching the semi-finals.

Already regarded as one of the sport’s brightest prospects, Wu’s rapid rise has drawn comparisons with some of snooker’s greats, with many believing he is only just getting started.

Selby on the “Modern Day” Steve Davis 

Following his International Championship triumph, Wu was compared by John Higgins to the late Paul Hunter, while Ronnie O’Sullivan has described him as a “modern day” and “more dynamic” Steve Davis.

After his Crucible exit, Selby was asked whether those comparisons were fair and what he makes of Wu’s game.

Selby believes his attacking style is a great watch, and great for the game, even if it is a style he doesn't particularly agree with.

“Oh, he's great. He's great for our game,” Selby told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“He's great to watch. Very, very attacking. Some of the balls he took on against me, I'm not sure they was the right shot, let's be honest.”

“But they was going in. So, if they go in, I suppose they are the right shot.”

The Shot That Lit Up The Crucible

Selby also pointed to one moment in particular during a tightly contested first session, when the match was level at 2-2. 

Wu produced a stunning two-cushion plant into the middle pocket that brought the Crucible crowd to life with its audacity and creativity.

However, Selby was not convinced by the decision-making behind it.

“He played one shot in the first session where he's gone off two cushions to pot a plant at the bottom of the pack in middle. I mean, you can speak to any of the top boys, there's no way in the world for me that's a right shot, but he ended up getting it and won the frame off it. So, there we go.”

“A World Champion In The Making”

Despite his reservations over Wu’s shot selection, Selby had no doubts about the youngster’s long-term potential and believes a world title is firmly within reach.

“For sure. I think he’s a world champion in the making,” Selby continued. 

“I mean, who knows? It could be this year. But if it's not this year, I do think in his career, he'll probably win it at some stage. I think he's that good a player.”

Room To Grow, But Huge Potential

Selby did, however, feel Wu was not at his best in their Crucible clash, though he warned that when the Chinese star finds his rhythm, he becomes extremely difficult to stop.

“I don't feel like he played great in that match at all. But we've seen in this season and last season, some of the standard he plays, when he does go on a bit of a run, he's hard to stop,” he concluded.