Wu Yize beats Shaun Murphy in Crucible classic to become world champion

by · TheJournal.ie

LAST UPDATE | 5 mins ago

Wu Yize 18

Shaun Murphy 17

WU YIZE HELD his nerve to sink Shaun Murphy in a deciding-frame shoot-out and be crowned world snooker champion after a final for the ages at the Crucible.

The 22-year-old produced a match-winning break of 85 to win 18-17 to become the second youngest champion of the modern era and the second in succession from China after last year’s triumph by Zhao Xintong.

In a pulsating final session, Wu was repeatedly pegged back by Murphy, looking to seal his second crown 21 years after his first, and missed a black off its spot that would surely have got him over the line in the previous frame.

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Murphy duly cleared and had the first chance in the decider, but Wu stepped up to the plate yet again, polishing off the title-winning break in a manner that suggests the sport has heralded the birth of a new superstar.

Wu Yize celebrates winning the World Snooker final against Shaun Murphy. Alamy Stock PhotoAlamy Stock Photo

Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.