Ronnie O'Sullivan has made a striking prediction about Chinese rising star Wu Yize, declaring the 22-year-old will claim the world number one ranking within three years.
The seven-time world champion delivered his assessment while speaking in Hong Kong ahead of this week's World Grand Prix, which runs from 3-8 February.
"I think Wu Yize is going to be world number one, I'd give him three years, definitely going to be world champion very, very soon, [he's a] phenomenal player," O'Sullivan said.
Wu currently occupies a career-best 13th position in the world rankings and will make his third appearance at the tournament.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has tipped Wu Yize for the very top
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The Chinese cueist secured his maiden ranking title in November, defeating four-time world champion John Higgins in the International Championship final.
Higgins himself labelled Wu a "total star" following their encounter, comparing the young talent to three-time Masters champion Paul Hunter, who passed away in 2006 aged 27.
Wu's impressive form continued into the new year when he made his Masters debut in January.
He progressed all the way to the semi-finals before falling 6-5 to Kyren Wilson in a tightly contested match.
Wu Yiza has been tipped to become a world champion by Ronnie O'Sullivan
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Wilson went on to lift the trophy, but Wu's run demonstrated his growing credentials at the highest level.
O'Sullivan drew comparisons between Wu and six-time world champion Steve Davis, though he believes the young Chinese player brings additional qualities to the table.
"A lot of people liken him to Paul Hunter but I think he's more like a modern day Steve Davis," O'Sullivan explained.
"He's more dynamic, more cue power, more aggressive, more scoring power but his positional play for me is on the level of Steve Davis, [and the ball] always goes in the middle of the hole."
The insight came after O'Sullivan spent two to three days practising with Wu in Hong Kong recently, giving him first-hand experience of the youngster's abilities.
Wu Yize has been called a modern-day Steve Davis ahead of the World Grand Prix
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O'Sullivan revealed he has developed a personal connection with the young talent, noting he selectively shares his knowledge with players he feels drawn to.
"I practiced with him for two or three days in Hong Kong not long ago and it's not until you practice with someone that you can really appreciate how good they are," he said.
"After day two I was like 'this kid is really special'."
The snooker legend expressed his desire to watch Wu's career flourish, adding: "I'd just love to go and see him fulfil his potential as a professional. I expect him to do a lot of great things in snooker."