Rising York snooker star Liam Pullen has paid tribute to his practice partner – who’s just become champion of the world.
Liam, 20, made his debut at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield after qualifying for the tournament for the first time this year.
He went out in the first round after a creditable 10-6 loss to former world quarter-finalist Chris Wakelin.
Since then, he’s been watching his friend Wu Yize defeat all-comers on his way to the crown.
Last night (Monday), Wu, 22, won the last frame in the final against Shaun Murphy to become world snooker champion.
Liam is a friend and practice partner of Wu, who is the second Chinese champion in a row.
“He’s a special player. It’s such a massive achievement at 22 years old, and he’s still got his whole career ahead of him as well,” Liam told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“He’s a great personality. He’s a funny and nice lad. He can speak a bit of English, to be fair, and he’s always smiling.”
Asked about the rise of brilliant Chinese players like Wu and last year’s world champion Zhao Xintong, Liam said: “It’s sort of the normality for someone like me.
“It’s mostly English and mostly Chinese players at the moment, but Eastern Europe players are starting to flourish and come through.
“But I don’t really think about that. You’ve got to play who’s in front of you.”
