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Wu Yize. Alamy Stock Photo
Snooker
Wu Yize beats Shaun Murphy in Crucible classic to become world champion
The 22-year-old became the second youngest champion of the modern era and the second in succession from China.
LAST UPDATE | 4 May
Wu Yize 18
Shaun Murphy 17
WU YIZE HELD his nerve to sink Shaun Murphy in a deciding-frame shoot-out and be crowned world snooker champion after a final for the ages at the Crucible.
The 22-year-old produced a match-winning break of 85 to win 18-17 to become the second youngest champion of the modern era and the second in succession from China after last year’s triumph by Zhao Xintong.
In a pulsating final session, Wu was repeatedly pegged back by Murphy, looking to seal his second crown 21 years after his first, and missed a black off its spot that would surely have got him over the line in the previous frame.
Murphy duly cleared and had the first chance in the decider, but Wu stepped up to the plate yet again, polishing off the title-winning break in a manner that suggests the sport has heralded the birth of a new superstar.
WU YIZE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!!!!! 🏆🌍
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 4, 2026
He beats Shaun Murphy in an EPIC DECIDER to become the Crucible King.#WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/QfzEnY1BEU
Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
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