Wu Yize is on the brink of snooker history after storming to a 10-7 overnight lead against Shaun Murphy in the World Championship final at the Crucible.
The 22-year-old Chinese sensation could become just the second-youngest player to lift the trophy at Sheffield’s famous venue, sitting only behind Stephen Hendry, who claimed his first world crown aged 21 back in 1990.
It’s worth noting that Wu is actually three months younger than Murphy was when the Englishman secured his sole world title in 2005.
Should Wu finish the job on Monday, he’d also become the second consecutive Chinese champion following Zhao Xintong’s triumph.
Wu Yize put on a sensational display on Sunday evening against Shaun Murphy
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REUTERS
Wu absolutely dominated the evening session, picking up right where he left off after the afternoon ended level at 4-4.
The young star from Lanzhou rattled off breaks of 82 and 103 to surge ahead, then added further contributions of 89 and 66 as he claimed three of the next four frames.
His long potting proved simply devastating throughout.
When Murphy looked to be taking control of the final frame of the night, Wu produced a risky long red that sparked a brilliant 91 clearance.
It’s a remarkable run for someone who moved to pursue his snooker dreams with his father at just 16 years old.
Shaun Murphy was perhaps guilty of playing too defensive against Wu Yize, who did not let his opponent breathe with his aggressive style
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REUTERS
Murphy, now 43, showed plenty of fight despite being outplayed for much of the session.
The Englishman had already battled back from 3-0 down earlier in the day, and a break of 72 briefly stemmed the tide before Wu pulled away again.
An outrageous plant helped Murphy pinch the 16th frame to close the gap to 9-7.
He’s chasing a record for the longest gap between first and second world titles.
The evening wasn’t without drama off the table either – a female spectator jumped over the front-row barrier during the afternoon before being removed, while another was ejected after their phone alarm disrupted play.
Wu Yize takes a commanding three-frame lead against Shaun Murphy in the 2026 World Snooker Championship final! 👏
He leads 10-7 overnight.
📺 Watch conclusion to the World Snooker Championship tomorrow live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/x2sm4uTvrc
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 3, 2026
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry said: “It’s harder [trailing overnight] but Shaun has got that kind of game that can win bunches of frames in no time at all.
“He’s got that in him. Wu has just got to be careful that he doesn’t think he’s won it already. The people who are with him – keep his feet on the ground tonight.”
Fellow legend Steve Davis, a six-time world champion, added: “There is a long, long way to go but he is in front overnight and you can’t ask for more than that.
“From Shaun’s perspective, he has to hope Wu Yize gives him more chances. He is scaring the life out of everyone he plays. I think it’s going to be a tough day for Shaun Murphy tomorrow.”
