World Champion Wu Wins Player of the Month for May
Wu Yize has been unanimously voted as the WPBSA Players’ Player of the Month for May after winning his first World Snooker Championship title at the Crucible Theatre.
The 22-year-old from China became the second-youngest world champion, behind only Stephen Hendry, by defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final at snooker’s most famous venue.
Having never previously won a match at the Crucible before, Wu overcame Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, Hossein Vafaei and Mark Allen to reach the title match which became the first to go to a deciding frame since 2002.
Following his world title win, Wu said: “I am so happy I could play like that today. I played for my family, for myself and for China. My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has also been through so much over the years. They are the source of my strength, and I love them so much.
“I can’t thank the fans enough, no matter who you support, the love for snooker is mutual.”
Wu is the first player to the win the WPBSA Players’ Player of the Month award, having previously done so in November 2025, and is also the first to earn it unanimously with 100% of the vote.
About the Award
Launched by WPBSA Players, the Players’ Player of the Month award recognises outstanding performance, as voted by fellow players. Its key aim is to honour excellence, consistency, and impact on the table, as recognised by those who understand the demands of the game best.
Each month throughout the 2025/26 season a shortlist will be compiled by an independent panel. The panel includes renowned snooker broadcasters David Hendon and Abigail Davies, sports journalist Phil Haigh and WPBSA Players Director Tian Pengfei. The shortlist will consider performances in all completed events for the corresponding month.
May – Wu Yize
