Down to the Final Frame: Wu Yize Edges Out Shaun Murphy to Win 2026 World Snooker Championship

Rising Chinese snooker star Wu Yize has defeated England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 frames to claim the 2026 World Snooker Championship title, becoming the second-youngest world champion in the sport's history. The World Snooker Championship final was held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England on May 4, 2026. The second day of the finals featured 22-year-old Wu Yize from China against Shaun Murphy, the former 2005 world champion from England. After day one, Wu Yize held a 10-7 frame lead. The match between Wu Yize and Murphy proved intensely competitive, ultimately coming down to a deciding final frame—the fourth decider of the championship—before Wu Yize clinched victory 18-17 frames with a break of 85 points. With this victory, Wu Yize becomes only the second Chinese snooker player to win the world championship, following Zhao Xintong's 2025 triumph. He also sets the record as the second-youngest world champion ever, behind Stephen Hendry who won in 1990 at age 21. After winning the title and claiming the prize money of £500,000 (approximately 22.1 million baht), Wu Yize, now ranked fourth in the world, said: "I've been trying to do this for a long time. Over the past few months, I've been living the same way. I'm very happy to play well today." "My parents are true champions. Since I decided to quit school, my father has always been by my side. My mother has also been through so much. They are my source of inspiration. I love them very much."