Wu Yize became the second-youngest world snooker champion in history at the age of 22, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic final-frame decider at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The Chinese player sealed victory with a stunning break of 85, securing his first world title and sparking emotional scenes as he was draped in the Chinese flag.
After the match, Wu admitted he had been struggling with nerves throughout the second session. “I just want to have a good sleep,” he said. “Since the second session of the match, I was feeling nerves all the time, so now I just want to go to bed.” He also revealed a misunderstanding with the crowd, initially thinking their chants of “Wuuuuu” were boos, before being told they were cheering him on.
Wu paid tribute to his parents, who were present in the audience, calling them “the true champions.” He said his father had been by his side since he dropped out of school to pursue snooker, and his mother had endured much over the years. “They are the source of my strengths; I love them so much,” he added, as his mother wiped away tears.
Shaun Murphy, the 2005 champion, was gracious in defeat, congratulating Wu and his family. “He will be world champion one day. It’s just a real shame it was today!” Murphy joked, recalling a previous win against Wu earlier in the season. He admitted he could not have given more, but praised Wu’s talent, saying “genius” was on display.
Wu is the youngest winner since Murphy in 2005, and many pundits expect him to dominate the sport for years to come. His long-potting ability and attacking style were highlighted as key strengths, with room for further improvement. The victory sets up a potential rivalry with fellow Chinese player Zhao Xintong, who is also tipped for greatness.
