Wu Yize has become the second-youngest world champion in snooker history after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic final at the Crucible Theatre. The 22-year-old Chinese player held his nerve in a deciding 35th frame, producing a break of 85 to seal victory in the first final to go the distance since 2002.
Wu, who moved to England at 16 with his father and lived in a windowless Sheffield flat to pursue his dream, described the win as the culmination of immense personal sacrifice. 'Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my mum has not been in good health. She has sacrificed everything for me,' he said.
Murphy, who was bidding for a second world title 21 years after his first, fought back from an overnight 10-7 deficit to lead 12-10. But Wu responded with three consecutive frames and the pair traded blows throughout the final session, with Murphy producing a sublime 131 clearance to level at 16-16 before Wu moved one frame from victory.
Wu missed a routine red while on 45 in the 34th frame, allowing Murphy to force a decider. In the final frame, Wu took on an audacious red to the middle and compiled a match-winning break, becoming the fourth consecutive first-time winner of snooker's biggest prize.
'He's a wonderful world champion,' Murphy said. 'I hate being right. I said earlier in the season he would be world champion one day. It's just a real shame it was today. But I couldn't have given it any more.'
