China's Wu Yize Wins World Snooker Championship with 18-17 Victory Over Shaun Murphy

China's Wu Yize emerged victorious in the 2026 World Snooker Championship, defeating England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a tense final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 4. The match went to a deciding frame, marking the first such decider in a World Championship final since 2002 when Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry.

Wu sealed the win with a break of 85 in the 35th frame, following Murphy's 75 to force the decider.

Wu, resuming the evening session leading 13-12, started with an 88 break to extend his advantage. Murphy responded with breaks including an 82 and a 131, repeatedly leveling the score. The contest saw Wu pull ahead multiple times, only for Murphy to fight back, tying at 14-14, 16-16, and finally 17-17.

In the penultimate frame, Wu missed a black but still won 60-56 after Murphy had led 56-19. Murphy then forced the decider, but Wu held his composure to clinch the title.

“I have been trying to go for this for ages. For the past few months, I have been living the same life. He follows compatriot Zhao Xintong, who won in 2025 as China's first champion. Wu's victory propels him to fourth in the world rankings, having started the season outside the top 16. He credited his parents for their support, noting they appeared emotional during the event. Murphy, aiming for a second title 21 years after his first, produced breaks like a 65 and the 131 but fell short in his fourth final loss. He congratulated Wu and acknowledged the close contest. Wu recovered with four consecutive frames, including the 88 break despite the black being tied up. Luck played a role, such as when Wu's missed red struck another into the pocket. The atmosphere at the Crucible built to fever pitch as the score tightened. This win adds Wu's name to snooker's history books, with the tournament regarded as the sport's spiritual home since 1977. Only three prior finals had reached a decider at the venue.”