“He’s a wonderful world champion,” said Shaun Murphy after his narrow defeat to Wu Yize in the final of the World Snooker Championship on May 4, 2026, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Wu’s remarkable victory, with a score of 18-17, makes him the second-youngest player to ever win this prestigious title at just 22 years old.
The match was a thrilling contest that showcased both players’ skills. It culminated in a deciding frame, marking the first time since 2002 that the championship went to a 35th frame. Murphy initially held a commanding lead of 12-10 after overcoming a 10-7 deficit, but Wu fought back fiercely.
Key moments from the final:
- Murphy made an impressive clearance of 131, tying the match at 16-16.
- Wu secured his victory with a decisive break of 85 in the final frame.
- The match featured a total of 35 frames, highlighting an intense back-and-forth battle.
Wu Yize’s journey to this historic win involved significant sacrifices, including dropping out of school to focus on his snooker career. His parents played pivotal roles in his development, with his mother facing health challenges along the way. Reflecting on his success, Wu humbly stated, “My parents are the true champions.”
This victory continues a trend for Chinese players in snooker, following Zhao Xintong’s win in 2025. For Shaun Murphy, this marks his fourth loss in World Championship finals; he previously lost to Mark Selby in 2021. Despite his disappointment, Murphy acknowledged Wu’s talent and potential, saying, “I hate being right; I said earlier in the season after we had a great game out in China that he would be world champion one day.”
