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Wu Yize Makes History as Second-Youngest Crucible Champion After Dramatic 18-17 Win Over Shaun Murphy

Posted : 05 May 2026

Wu Yize produced a landmark performance at the Crucible Theatre, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic World Championship final that went all the way to a deciding frame. The contest marked only the fourth final in Crucible history to reach a 35th frame, delivering one of the most intense finishes the tournament has ever seen.

The match swung back and forth throughout the final session, with both players exchanging momentum in a tense battle. Wu repeatedly edged ahead, only for Murphy’s experience and scoring power to drag him back level each time, setting up a nervy conclusion under immense pressure.

Wu came close to sealing victory earlier but missed a routine black in the penultimate frame, a mistake that allowed Murphy back into contention. The Englishman capitalised with a composed break to force the deciding frame, keeping his hopes of a second world title alive.

In the final frame, however, Wu showed remarkable composure beyond his years. He constructed a confident break of 85 to secure the championship, holding his nerve in the defining moment of his career and completing a historic triumph at just 21 years old.

The victory places Wu among snooker’s youngest world champions, with only a handful of players achieving the feat at a younger age in the modern era. It also marks a major breakthrough for Chinese snooker, following Zhao Xintong’s earlier success in 2025.

Emotion poured over the winner after the match, as Wu credited his parents for their unwavering support throughout his career. He described them as his greatest strength, acknowledging the sacrifices made since he chose to pursue professional snooker over formal education.

For Murphy, it was another painful near-miss in a World Championship final, having now lost his last four appearances in the showpiece match. Despite producing several high-quality breaks and pushing the contest to the limit, he was left to reflect on a missed opportunity after a fiercely competitive encounter.

 

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