Wu Yize Becomes Second-Youngest Crucible Champion, Edges Shaun Murphy 18-17 in Thrilling Final

Key facts

• Wu Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in the World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
• The final went to a deciding frame for the first time since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002.
• Wu is the second-youngest player to win the world title, behind Stephen Hendry (21 in 1990).
• Wu is three months younger than Murphy was when he won his only world title in 2005.
• Wu's victory makes him the second Chinese winner after Zhao Xintong in 2025.
• Wu led 10-7 after the first two sessions on Sunday and Monday.
• A female spectator was ejected for shouting and attempting to invade the stage during the third frame.
• Referee Rob Spencer warned the audience about phone interruptions and ejected a spectator whose phone rang.

A Final for the Ages

Wu Yize became the second-youngest player to be crowned a Crucible champion, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a compelling World Championship final. The contest, brimming with drama, served up the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002. It is only the fourth time the showpiece match has reached a concluding frame since the tournament moved to its spiritual home in 1977.

Wu's Nerves of Steel

Wu held himself together under extreme pressure despite failing to knock in a simple black off its spot when glory beckoned in the penultimate frame. That error allowed Murphy a reprieve, and he took full advantage to force a 35th frame with a run of 75. However, Wu sealed a historic win with a nerveless break of 85, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Zhao Xintong, who was China's first ever winner in 2025.

Emotional Tribute to Parents

"I have been trying to go for this for ages," said Wu, who shared an embrace with Murphy after making his match-winning break. "For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today." With his parents appearing emotional in the background, Wu added: "My parents are the true champions. 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."

A Fractious Crucible

The high-octane action on the baize was mirrored in the arena with a female spectator thrown out by security officials after shouting out and apparently trying to invade the stage midway through the third frame. Frequent phone interruptions irritated Murphy, leading referee Rob Spencer to admonish the audience at the start of each session and eject a spectator whose phone went off during the evening session.

Wu's Comeback After Early Struggles

Wu had never looked entirely comfortable despite his fast start, and it was little surprise when Murphy stirred, a break of 85 sending him into the interval in a much brighter mood, then breaks of 90 and 77 pulling him level. Wu was suddenly looking fragile, missing easy shots and reluctant to go for his trademark long pots, and the experienced Murphy sensed weakness, powering in the first century of the final to extend Wu's agony. The Chinese player rallied in the afternoon's final frame, firing nine reds and eight blacks before jawing a black to the middle pocket and riding his luck as Murphy's protracted search for snookers came to nothing.

Evening Session Dominance

The evening session proved a different matter as Wu, bidding to become the second youngest player to win the tournament after Stephen Hendry, blasted back out of the blocks. Breaks of 82 and 103 saw him establish a 6-4 lead, and he retained his two-frame advantage at the interval after cancelling out Murphy's well-taken response of 75 in the 11th frame. Wu's long potting and composed break-building handed him a deserved 10-7 lead heading into the final sessions.

A New Chinese Superstar

Wu is three months younger than Murphy was at the time of his only world title to date in 2005, and he sits only behind Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he triumphed for the first time in 1990. His victory marks the second world title for China, following Zhao Xintong's breakthrough in 2025. The win cements Wu's status as snooker's newest superstar and signals the continued rise of Chinese talent on the global stage.

The bottom line

• Wu Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a deciding frame, the first Crucible final to go the distance since 2002.
• At 22, Wu becomes the second-youngest world champion, behind only Stephen Hendry.
• Wu is the second Chinese winner of the World Championship, after Zhao Xintong in 2025.
• The final was marred by spectator disruptions, including an attempted stage invasion and phone interruptions.
• Wu credited his parents as the source of his strength, having sacrificed their own lives for his career.
• Murphy, the 2005 champion, forced the decider with a run of 75 but could not prevent Wu's historic triumph.