Yuan Sijun enjoyed his best season in 2024/25, highlighted by a run to the semi-finals of the German Masters, and has started the new campaign with five consecutive wins. We caught up with the 25-year-old to reflect on his improved form and to learn about an exciting venture in his home city of Nanchang.
Sijun, you're currently ranked 30th in the world - the best position of your career so far. How positive do you feel about your game?
Yes, it's the first time I’ve broken into the top 32, it’s been steady progress. I definitely hope to push higher in the rankings this season. My previous practice routines were a bit too repetitive, so I want to develop more structured practice plans, work on more targeted areas and try to improve the weaknesses in my game.
You had an outstanding run in Berlin last season, beating the likes of Shaun Murphy and Neil Robertson to reach the semi-finals. Was that one of your best moments so far?
Definitely. Murphy and Robertson are tough opponents, so beating them back-to-back was a big confidence booster. I still hope to do even better, like making a final or even winning a title this season. I think it comes down to mentality. I struggle more in difficult situations - I can play well when things are going smoothly, but once the tide turns, I find it more difficult to stay calm. I feel like some of my fellow professionals are better at letting go and just focusing on playing their own game. I tend to overthink, and that creates pressure I put on myself. When an opportunity is right in front of you and you want it too badly, sometimes it backfires.
The World Championship qualifiers must have been memorable as you beat Joe Perry and effectively sent him into retirement, but you ended up losing to Zhou Yuelong on Judgement Day.
After that match against Joe, I shook his hand and wished him all the best for retirement. He’s always been a gentleman. Back in 2017, when I turned pro and won my first bit of prize money, it was from a match against him. He was really gracious and wished me well. I’ve always respected him and I also watch videos of experienced players to learn from their strategies. I think I’m capable of standing on that Crucible stage, but again it’s about mentality. In that match against Zhou, he said afterwards that we know each other too well, and we both really wanted to qualify. He hadn’t been to the Crucible in a long time, and I never have. That desire created enormous pressure. It was probably the most mentally difficult match I played all season. I just completely collapsed and I really hope that won’t happen again.
You must be pleased with the start you have made to this season?
I hadn’t played a competitive match in nearly two months, so my rhythm was a bit off. But I’ve increased my practice intensity since returning to the UK, so I’m gradually getting back into form. In previous years I’d go on holiday during the summer break, but this time I mostly stayed home in Nanchang with my parents and girlfriend. I’ve opened a snooker club there, so I spent a lot of time at the club. It’s called Yuan Sijun Billiards Club, in the Donghu District. We have 11 snooker tables and five of them are Xingpai Star tables. We also have 16 Chinese pool tables and five or six private rooms. It’s around 1,600 square meters in total.
When did it open?
In late December last year. My dad mainly manages it. He’s retired, so I asked him to take care of the place. When I’m there, I just hang out, and many guests come to see me or play when they hear I’m around. That helps the business too. Some people come just because of the name. Word spreads quickly when I’m around, so groups often come together to have a good time.
Having qualified for the Wuhan Open, is that an event you particularly look forward to?
Yes, I have many relatives in Wuhan, so whenever I play or attend events there, I always visit them. I know the city well and I enjoy it a lot. In terms of food and culture, it is similar to Nanchang so I always feel quite at home in Wuhan.
