Wu Yize Wins World Snooker Championship in Final-Frame Thriller

Key facts

• Wu Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in the World Championship final.
• It was the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002.
• Only the fourth time the final has reached a deciding frame since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.
• Wu is the second-youngest Crucible champion, 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 follows Zhao Xintong becoming China's first world champion in 2025.
• Murphy forced a decider with a run of 75 in the penultimate frame.
• Wu sealed the win with a break of 85 in the final frame.

A Decider for the Ages

Wu Yize held his nerve to win the World Snooker Championship on Monday night, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a final that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the tournament's history. The 22-year-old Chinese player became the second-youngest champion at the Crucible, after Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he won in 1990. It was the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002, and only the fourth time the showpiece match has gone to a deciding frame since the tournament moved to its spiritual home in Sheffield in 1977. Both players attacked throughout the final frame, producing a thrilling climax that had the audience on its feet.

How Wu Sealed the Title

Wu appeared on the verge of victory in the penultimate frame when he missed a simple black off its spot, allowing Murphy to force a 35th frame with a composed break of 75. But Wu regrouped instantly, producing a nerveless break of 85 in the decider to clinch the title. The match-winning break was a display of extraordinary composure under the most extreme pressure. After potting the final ball, Wu shared an emotional embrace with Murphy before celebrating with his parents, who were seen in the audience with tears in their eyes. The victory marks the culmination of a journey that began when Wu dropped out of school to pursue snooker full-time, supported by his father who has been by his side ever since.

Wu's Emotional Tribute to His Parents

"I have been trying to go for this for ages," Wu said after the match. "For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today." With his mother and father 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." The victory places Wu in the pantheon of Chinese snooker greats. He follows in the footsteps of his compatriot Zhao Xintong, who became China's first world champion in 2025. Wu's triumph, coming just a year later, underscores the rapid rise of Chinese talent in the sport.

Murphy's Resilience and the Final's Drama

Shaun Murphy, the 2005 champion, showed immense resilience to force a decider. Trailing 17-16, he produced a run of 75 in the penultimate frame after Wu missed a simple black. The 42-year-old Englishman had been seeking his second world title, 21 years after his first. He was three months older than Wu is now when he won his only title to date. The final was a contest brimming with drama from start to finish. Both players went for their shots in a wonderful finale, with the tension palpable in the Crucible Theatre. The match will be remembered as one of the great finals, alongside the deciders of 2002, 1994, and 1985.

A New Era for Chinese Snooker

Wu's victory cements China's status as a powerhouse in world snooker. Zhao Xintong's breakthrough in 2025 was followed by Wu's triumph a year later, suggesting a golden generation for the sport in the country. Wu is the second-youngest champion in Crucible history, behind only Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he won in 1990. The win also marks a personal milestone for Wu, who has been living a disciplined life focused on snooker for months. His father's unwavering support, from his decision to leave school to his daily training, has been a constant source of strength. Wu's mother, who has also sacrificed much, was seen emotional in the crowd.

What the Title Means for the Sport

The 2026 World Championship will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the emergence of a new star. Wu Yize's name now joins the list of Crucible champions, and his victory is likely to inspire a new generation of players in China and beyond. The tournament's move to the Crucible in 1977 has produced only four final-frame deciders, making this one a rare and cherished moment in snooker history. For Murphy, the defeat is a bitter pill, but his performance reaffirmed his status as one of the game's greats. The final was a testament to the sport's ability to produce high drama under the brightest lights. As the snooker world looks ahead, Wu's reign as world champion has just begun.

The bottom line

• Wu Yize is the second-youngest Crucible champion, after Stephen Hendry.
• The final was the first to go to a deciding frame since 2002 and only the fourth since 1977.
• Wu missed a simple black in the penultimate frame but recovered to win the decider with a break of 85.
• Murphy forced the decider with a run of 75 after Wu's miss.
• Wu's victory follows Zhao Xintong's 2025 title, marking a golden era for Chinese snooker.
• Wu credited his parents as the true champions for their sacrifices.