“He’s a wonderful world champion,” said Shaun Murphy after Wu Yize defeated him 18-17 in the World Snooker Championship final on May 4, 2026. The match took place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Wu’s victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the second-youngest player to win the championship at just 22 years old.
The final was a thrilling contest that went to a deciding 35th frame, the first such occurrence since 2002. Both players displayed remarkable skill and resilience throughout the match. Murphy initially led with a score of 12-10 after overcoming a 10-7 deficit. However, Wu rallied back, showcasing his talent as he produced a decisive break of 85 in the final frame.
Key statistics from the final:
- Final score: Wu Yize 18, Shaun Murphy 17
- Total frames played: 35
- Murphy’s highest break: 131
- Wu’s decisive break in the final frame: 85
- Score before the last frames: 14-14
This match underscored Wu Yize’s incredible journey. He dropped out of school to pursue snooker, supported by his parents—his mother faced significant health challenges along the way. Wu’s victory also continues a trend of young players succeeding in this sport, following Zhao Xintong’s win in 2025.
Murphy expressed admiration for Wu, 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.” Despite his loss, Murphy has had an illustrious career and now has four World Championship final defeats to his name. His previous loss was against Mark Selby in 2021.
The match featured an intense back-and-forth battle between both players, with Murphy tying the match at 16-16 before ultimately falling short. His performance demonstrated his determination and skill despite the outcome.
The World Snooker Championship continues to attract global attention, especially with rising stars like Wu Yize representing Chinese snooker players on this prestigious stage. As fans reflect on this year’s thrilling finals, they eagerly await what future tournaments will bring.
