Wu Yize lands first title as world champion as 22-year-old reaches new heights

Wu Yize has won his first title since becoming world champion, beating Yuan Sijun 10-5 in the Shenzhen Open final, and climbing to new heights in the world rankings.

Still just 22 years old, Wu is up to number two in the rankings thanks to the £177,000 top prize in Shenzhen and moves very close to compatriot Zhao Xintong who holds the number one spot.

Wu started the final in style with a break of 117 to win the first frame, but that proved to be the only century of the contest.

The first session was keenly contested, with Yuan – in his first ranking final – looking good at 4-3 ahead and frustrating the favourite.

However, Wu produced a stunning long red which began a brilliant steal from 56 points behind to win the eighth and then moved ahead in the final frame of the afternoon.

Yuan’s challenge faltered in the second session and he would win just one more frame as Wu strolled to victory without really needing to hit top form.

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The world champion was not at his brilliant best for a lot of the tournament, with bursts of excellence, without being relentless with his world class break-building.

His tactical play is improving, though, and that was on show in a fantastic 6-1 win over Judd Trump in the semi-finals.

That victory came after a 5-4 triumph over Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals, which saw Wu make breaks of 94, 121 and 117 from 3-2 behind.

Wu turns 23 later this month and has already racked up three ranking titles, including the biggest prize in the sport.

With this win guaranteeing his place in all the events this season to come, he will now have his sights firmly set on Zhao’s number one spot.

Despite defeat, Yuan enjoyed the best week of his career as he reached a first ranking final and secured more prize money and ranking points (£76,000) than he ever has before.

He certainly had an easier route to the final than Wu, beating Fan Zhengyi, Zak Surety, Michael Holt and Jimmy Robertson on his way to the showpiece, but he made the most of a favourable draw.

A run to the final sees Yuan climb back inside the world’s top 32 and up to number seven on the one-year list, which means he is well placed for World Grand Prix and Players Championship qualification.