Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in the most remarkable World Snooker Championship final to become just the second Chinese world champion in history and the second-youngest winner at the Crucible.
A back-and-forth final swung both ways but, in the end, Wu held his nerve in a first deciding frame in a world final since 2002 as Murphy agonisingly lost for the fourth time in the Crucible showpiece since his own title win in 2005.
The 22-year-old phenom Wu had led 10-7 overnight before losing the first five frames on Monday as 43-year-old Murphy roared back into contention. However, the Chinese star gathered himself and built a 13-12 lead heading into the evening session.
There was little to choose between them from there, with no more than a frame separating them from 14-14 as both men made remarkable frame-winning breaks under the most intense pressure. However, Wu’s 85 in the deciding frame was the most important of all and 12 months of from Zhao Xintong becoming the first Chinese world champion, he has matched the feat.
Follow all the action from the World Championship final at the Crucible below.
Wonderkid Wu Yize makes snooker history in style in one of the greatest Crucible finals
For the first time in 24 years, and just the fourth time in Crucible history, the World Snooker Championship final went to a deciding frame. It was a fitting climax to the 50th final at this iconic Sheffield theatre and after Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy had delivered a showpiece just as, if not more, compelling than any of the previous 49, it could hardly end any other way.
The decider itself may not have had the drama of the legendary black-ball finish of 1985 but as Wu held his nerve to complete an 85 break and become the second-youngest snooker world champion in history, the ‘Wuuuu’ chants that rang round this storied venue confirmed that the sport has a new star in the boy from Lanzhou.
At just 22 years and 202 days, Wu is a mere cub in sporting terms but he roared like a lion throughout a ding-dong battle with the 43-year-old Murphy, where the winner remained unclear until the very final moments.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from the Crucible:
Wu Yize pays tribute to his parents
Speaking on the BBC via an interpreter after his win, Wu Yize paid tribute to his parents.
“My parents are the true champions,” said Wu. “Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side.
“My mum has also been going through a lot over the years, they are the source of my strength, I love them so much.
On how he won: “I think it was the belief. I have been trying to go for this for ages. For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today.
On his fans and the ‘Wuuuu’ chant: “At the beginning I had a misunderstanding, I thought they were booing me. But then the staff told me they were cheering me on so I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for all your support, I think the love for snooker is mutual.”
Shaun Murphy predicted Wu Yize’s win
The always gracious Shaun Murphy spoke to the BBC after his defeat and spoke very warmly of Wu Yize, saying he predicted he’d be world champion.
“I’d like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion,” said Murphy.
“I hate being right, I said sometime earlier in the season, we had a great game out in China somewhere, and I managed to win that one.
“I came out afterwards and said that he would be world champion one day, it’s just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn’t have given it anymore, I couldn’t have tried harder. I played the best shots I could have played and I didn’t get my chance. I couldn’t do any more than that.”
Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became a world champion and snooker star
Wu Yize hails from Lanzhou in the northwest of China, a city famous for its beef noodles. The dish is a clear beef broth with radish slices, chilli oil and herbs, and aside from his family, it is the thing he misses most: there are plenty of Chinese restaurants in Sheffield, but they don’t hit like home.
It is one small cost of being one of the best young snooker players in the world. Wu moved his life to Yorkshire three years ago to be part of the growing stable of Chinese players in the city, and he could be the next superstar from the group.
The 22-year-old reached finals at the English Open and Scottish Open last season, and now the 10th seed has made history by winning the World Snooker Championship for the first time. He showed incredible heart to down Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a first final-frame decider in the Crucible showpiece for 24 years.
Wu Yize becomes world champion
What a remarkable victory for Wu Yize. Incredible scenes
Shaun Murphy 17-18 Wu Yize
WOW, WOW, WOW. What a final, what a match. Shaun Murphy with a warm handshake for Wu Yize.
A horrible way to lose but what a world champion. Wu is. Just 22 years old, the second youngest world champion in history.
And a second Chinese world champion
Shaun Murphy 17-18 Wu Yize – WU YIZE IS WORLD CHAMPION
HE’S DONE IT! What a performance in this final frame, what a performance in this championship.
Wu Yize is a star. A break of 85 and he’s the 2026 World Snooker Championship winner.
Frame score: Murphy 8-85 Wu
Shaun Murphy 17-17 Wu Yize – deciding frame
Shaun Murphy needs snookers! Wu Yize is going to win the World Championship!
Another brilliant thin cut to the right corner. A fist pump – he knows! “Wuuuuu” chants from the crowd
Frame score: Murphy 8-69 Wu
Shaun Murphy 17-17 Wu Yize – deciding frame
After that bit of drama, Wu will hope it’s simpler from here. The pink goes down to the black spot, which makes things easier.
A few more pots and Wu is beyond 50 points. It’s hard to see where he goes wrong from here. Is Shaun Murphy resigned to his fate?
Frame score: Murphy 8-55 Wu
