A seismic shift is happening in the world of snooker, and its epicenter is a 14-year-old boy named Wang Xinzhong. At the International Championship in Nanjing, the young prodigy didn’t just participate – he conquered, winning two matches in a single day against seasoned professionals.
Wang’s opening match pitted him against Bai Yulu, the women’s world champion. Despite Bai’s incredible skill, highlighted by a stunning 145 break – the highest ever recorded by a female player in a ranking event – Wang remained undeterred. He rallied, seizing the next three frames and securing a remarkable victory, 6-4.
The challenge only intensified in the following round. Wang faced Robbie Williams, a 38-year-old veteran with years of tour experience and multiple appearances at the Crucible. But the schoolboy wasn’t intimidated. He delivered a dominant performance, winning 6-1 with impressive breaks of 97, 66, and 76, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.
Now, Wang prepares for his most significant test yet: a clash with Shaun Murphy, the reigning Masters champion. Murphy, known as “The Magician,” will undoubtedly approach the match with respect, keenly aware of the young player’s recent triumphs. This isn’t Wang’s first taste of professional success; he secured a win at the same tournament in 2023, but this year’s victories represent a significant leap forward.
The opening day also witnessed a display of brilliance from Ronnie O’Sullivan, narrowly avoiding an upset against Allan Taylor. Trailing 4-2, “The Rocket” unleashed a barrage of centuries – 100, 119, 129, and 128 – in five frames, turning the match decisively in his favor and earning a spot against Sanderson Lam.
O’Sullivan, visibly enjoying his game, remarked on a renewed passion for the sport. “I’m enjoying playing,” he said. “It never feels like a grind when you are cueing well. I’m enjoying playing more than I have done for maybe over a decade now.” This resurgence of form is a captivating narrative in itself.
Elsewhere, Jiang Jun, ranked 111th in the world, delivered a stunning upset, defeating Chris Wakelin, ranked 17th, by a convincing 6-2 margin. He will now face compatriot He Guoqiang, who overcame former world champion Stuart Bingham. Victories were also claimed by established stars like Judd Trump, Ding Junhui, Zhang Anda, Mark Selby, Zhao Xintong, and Gary Wilson.
Jack Lisowski, fresh off his Northern Ireland Open victory – his first ranking title after 15 years as a professional – begins his campaign on Monday against Louis Heathcote. He’s determined to capitalize on his momentum, choosing practice over a celebratory holiday. “I’ve practised hard before coming out here,” Lisowski stated, “I’m trying to keep it going.”
The International Championship promises a thrilling continuation, with young stars rising and established champions battling for supremacy. The stakes are high, with a £175,000 prize awaiting the winner, but the real reward may be witnessing the emergence of a new generation of snooker talent.
