Snooker
2024 English Open: “Maturity and Focus Will Get Me the Title,” says Wu Yize
Wu Yize swept Singh Chadha 6-0 in the English Open semi-final. He stays humble but confident, aiming for his first ever ranking title.
Chinese snooker prodigy Wu Yize delivered a dominant performance against India's Ishpreet Singh Chadha in the first semi-final of the 2024 English Open, securing a crushing 6-0 victory.
The 20-year-old phenom showed no mercy as he booked his place in the final, with his opponent clearly still feeling the effects of his gruelling quarter-final battle against four-time world champion Mark Selby.
Semi-final Whitewash in Brentwood
Post-match, Wu, through his translator, was quick to acknowledge Singh Chadha’s usual high standards.
Both players regularly train together in Sheffield, so Wu knows what his Indian rival is capable of when fully charged.
“I’m feeling great now. There was quite a bit of pressure in this match since I wanted to better myself. This is a very good result. Making it to this point, I’m also competing for the title. Overall, I’d say I was quite lucky today as well,” Wu told SportsBoom.com.
Singh Chadha’s fatigue showed, but Wu was all business, capitalising on every opportunity.
"To reach this stage, I believe there are no weak opponents. My opponent probably felt a lot of pressure today and couldn’t perform at his usual level," he added.
Defeating Judd Trump and Maturing as a Player
Wu's journey to this stage has been impressive, marking only his second career semi-final appearance, the first being at the 2023 Wuhan Open, where Judd Trump denied him a final spot.
This time, however, Wu got his revenge, knocking out Trump in the quarterfinals to set up his showdown with Singh Chadha.
“It pretty much matched my expectations. I think the difference is that I’ve matured compared to last time,” said Wu.
“Overall, I’ve improved a lot in my safety play. I can often force my opponent into making mistakes and then take advantage of those opportunities. I feel more mature in my game now compared to before.”
Images credit: World Snooker Tour (WST)
First-ever Ranking Final for Yize
As he eyes his maiden ranking title, Wu remains calm but determined.
“It would be a new beginning. After all, this is my fourth year as a professional. I won’t put too much pressure on myself. While I’m eager to win, I’ll maintain a calm mindset,” he explained.
“Winning a title brings a new sense of responsibility, and more matches and opportunities will follow.”
Robertson or Wakelin
Looking ahead to the final, where he could face either Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin, Wu isn’t showing any nerves but recognises the challenge ahead, especially if it’s Robertson across the table.
“(Robertson) I think he has no weaknesses. Although last season wasn’t his best, he’s definitely very hungry for the title,” Wu noted.
“Both of them are excellent players. Any opponent who reaches the final will not be easy. I just need to focus on doing my best.”
With maturity and a newfound edge in his game, Wu Yize is one match away from snooker history.
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