Roger Leighton, a Preston-born coach who found his calling in the heart of China, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the world of snooker. From humble beginnings in Brazil and Serbia, his journey led him to the Yushan International Billiards Academy, where he’s become a pivotal figure in nurturing a generation of Chinese talent.
China has become a snooker powerhouse in the last two decades, and Leighton has been instrumental in the rise of players like Wu Yize and Si Jiahui, now both ranked within the world’s top 16. He remembers Wu as an 11-year-old prodigy arriving for coaching in Foshan – a “cheeky little kid” with a natural gift, but also a frustrating lack of control.
“He was funny, always joking around,” Leighton recalls. Wu’s father, juggling an antique business with his son’s training, represented the intense pressure many Chinese parents place on their children’s potential. A highest break of just 49 prompted the father to declare Leighton his “last resort.”
The Chinese mentality, Leighton observed, is both driven and demanding. There’s a belief that potential must be realized quickly, with professional success expected by the late teens. It’s a “crazy” system, but one that fuels relentless dedication. Within weeks of coaching, Wu’s highest break soared to 70, then 89, yet even that wasn’t enough for the young player.
“Ronnie would have cleared up,” Wu reportedly told Leighton, revealing a relentless pursuit of perfection even at such a young age. He wasn’t content with improvement; he demanded the standard of the very best. This ambition, Leighton recognized, was both a strength and a source of frustration.
Wu’s rapid progress continued, culminating in a stunning victory over John Higgins at the International Championship. Alongside him, Chang Bingyu emerged as another promising star, reaching the Scottish Open final. Leighton saw in both players a raw talent that, with focused guidance, could reshape the snooker landscape.
While Wu possessed explosive potential, Si Jiahui’s path was different. Leighton initially considered Si less naturally gifted than contemporaries like Fan Zhengyi, but he recognized a remarkable tenacity. “He was like a bulldog,” Leighton says, “solid, consistent, and a worker.”
However, Si’s dedication came at a cost, burdened by intense pressure from his father. Meanwhile, other promising talents faced their own challenges. Luo Honghao, once considered the most gifted of all, now earns a living teaching snooker on TikTok, his professional career derailed by personal struggles.
The story took a darker turn with the revelation of match-fixing scandals. Chen Zifan, a training prodigy, was banned, a victim of coercion by Liang Wenbo. Chang Bingyu, too, was implicated, admitting to fixing a match under duress. His two-year ban offered a path to redemption, and he’s now back on tour, demonstrating renewed promise.
Leighton reflects on the complex journeys of his students. Luo Honghao, he believes, was the most naturally talented. Chen Zifan was a training room marvel, but lacked the composure for competition. Si Jiahui, though not the most gifted, possessed the unwavering commitment needed to succeed.
“I expected Wu Yize, Fan Zhengyi, Si Jiahui, Chang Bingyu and Luo Honghao to all be in the top 32 in the world,” Leighton states. “Now, I’m expecting Wu Yize to be the best out of my students.” He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the game, but remains confident in the potential he helped unlock.
As Wu Yize prepares to face Shaun Murphy at the Masters, and Si Jiahui battles Kyren Wilson, Leighton’s legacy is on full display. He’s not just a coach; he’s a witness to a snooker revolution, a quiet force behind the rise of a new generation of champions.
