Wu Yize has etched his name into snooker history by defeating Shaun Murphy in a dramatic final frame decider to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible. The 22-year-old becomes China's second world champion after Zhao Xintong, prevailing 18-17 in a match widely hailed as one of the best finals in the tournament's storied history.
The pair traded blows throughout a tense final session. Wu had chances to seal victory earlier, including missing a black off its spot when leading 17-16 and one frame from glory. However, in the deciding frame, he showed immense composure to pot a difficult red to the middle pocket following a safety exchange, then clinched the title with an ice-cool break of 85.
In his post-match interview, Wu paid tribute to his parents through a translator, saying: 'My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my Dad has been by my side, my mum has also gone through a lot over the years. They are the source of my strength, I love them so much.'
Murphy, gracious in defeat, congratulated Wu and his family. 'I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion,' Murphy said. 'I hate being right, I said sometime earlier in the season... that he would be world champion one day, it's just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn't have given it anymore.'
The match featured multiple momentum shifts, with Murphy producing a stunning 131 clearance to level at 15-15 and Wu showing bravery to pot a tough yellow with the rest in frame 33. After Murphy forced a decider by clearing up from 43-0 down, Wu held his nerve to secure victory with a break of 85, sparking celebrations from the Chinese contingent at the Crucible.
