World Champion Wu Yize Stuns at English Open: 1-4 Loss to Liam Davies

The 2026 English Open snooker tournament is underway in Brentwood, and a major shock occurred on the opening day. Wu Yize, introduced as 'world champion', was knocked out in the first round after a 1-4 loss to relatively unknown Liam Davies. This result surprised fans and raised questions about the young Chinese player's form and true caliber. The match was played under a best-of-7 format, a short format notorious for upsets. Wu Yize started hesitantly, allowing Davies to take a 3-0 lead. Although he managed to win the fourth frame, Davies closed out a convincing 4-1 victory. The highlight was a 105-century break by Davies in the third frame, showcasing impressive scoring ability. With this win, Davies advanced to the next round and cast doubt on Wu Yize's 'world champion' title—in reality, Wu has never won a world championship at the professional ranking level; the title likely came from a junior event or an alternative system outside the WPBSA. Another notable performance came from Zhou Yuelong. The Chinese player defeated compatriot Yuan Sijun 4-1, including the tournament's highest break so far: 141. This break demonstrates Zhou's excellent form, ready to challenge top names. Meanwhile, veteran Ding Junhui also won 4-1 against Joe O'Connor, showing consistency. Ding will face Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, a highly anticipated match that is expected to draw significant Chinese viewership. Kyren Wilson, the recent champion, edged Mark Selby 4-3 in a decider. Selby was runner-up at last week's British Open, indicating strong form, but Wilson proved his championship mettle. Judd Trump, hungry for a title after seven months without one, also narrowly beat Anthony McGill 4-3. Trump is gradually regaining form, but the tight win suggests he is not yet at his peak. Regarding format, the English Open is a ranking event in the Home Nations Series, held early in the season. The best-of-7 format in early rounds makes top players vulnerable to early exits, as seen with Wu Yize. However, this also creates excitement and unpredictability. Players like Ali Carter are also in the draw, with a high break of 75, though details of his match are not yet available. Overall, the 2026 English Open is unfolding with many surprises. Wu Yize's early exit is a setback, but Zhou Yuelong's progress and Ding Junhui's form offer hope for Chinese fans. The quarter-final between Ding Junhui and Kyren Wilson will be the focus, as a win for Ding could signal a resurgence of the Chinese legend. Meanwhile, Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson remain strong contenders for the title. Will the short format continue to produce upsets? The answer will come in the coming days.