Wu Yize squandered a 10-7 overnight lead before hitting back to lead Shaun Murphy 13-12 in an enthralling World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible.
Wu, the 22-year-old Chinese prodigy trying to win his first world title, had claimed seven of 10 frames after falling 4-3 behind on Sunday to build his 10-7 advantage. However, Murphy flew out of the blocks on Monday afternoon to take each of the first five frames and overturn that deficit to lead 12-10.
The final appeared to be getting away from Wu but he composed himself and took the final three frames of the session to snatch back the narrowest of advantages and there will be just one frame separating the players going into the last session of a world final for the first time since 2014.
Follow all the action from the World Championship final at the Crucible below.
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Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became a star destined to win the World Snooker Championship
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize - live updates
- Shaun Murphy takes on 22-year-old wonderkid Wu Yize in the 2026 World Snooker Championship final
- LATEST SCORE: Wu leads Murphy at 15-14 in the best-of-35 match
- Wu led 10-7 overnight but Murphy hit back to lead 12-10 before Wu won Monday afternoon's final three frames
- A protester briefly interrupted frame three before being dealt with by referee Rob Spencer
Shaun Murphy 14-15 Wu Yize
20:43 , Luke BakerBack underway at the Crucible and there will be no more breaks before we crown the 2026 world champion.
What a start to this session by Wu Yize! Lines up a red down the right cushion and absolutely drills it into the heart of the pocket, screws back and is perfect on the black. AMAZING! The things this boy does on a snooker table... Wow.
WATCH: Wu lights up the Crucible
20:32 , Luke BakerThere’s been some cracking shots from Wu Yize so far in this session. Here was one of them
What a shot from Wu Yize 🩷
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 4, 2026
(Even if he did miss the next red 🙃) #WorldChampionship | pic.twitter.com/ONY7b863da
MID-SESSION INTERVAL: Shaun Murphy 14-15 Wu Yize
20:23 , Luke BakerHow big will that frame be? What a steal from Wu Yize. He leads as the players head to the dressing room for 15 minutes or so.
He’s now three frames away from a first world title but Shaun Murphy only needs four. This could be brilliant drama.
Shaun Murphy 14-15 Wu Yize - WU WINS FRAME 29
20:21 , Luke BakerWhat a chance for Wu. He pots the long red to the yellow pocket and that sets him up for a counter-clearance to steal this frame.
The colours all on their spots and Wu makes no mistake! A break of 41 and he nicks the frame by four points.
Absolutely huge for Wu Yize as he pinches frame 29 and leads 15-14 at the mid-session interval. What a match!
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize
20:18 , Luke BakerBut there’s a mistake from Murphy. He pots a black to move his frame score to 56 but he’s too straight and can’t get on a red.
Frustration for Murphy as he’s in control at 56-19 ahead but has to play safe.
A couple of shots of safety and Murphy then goes for a long red to the green pocket, it rattles both jaws and rolls across the top cushion.
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize
20:14 , Luke BakerWu straight back in as he crunches in a long pot to the left corner, then pots a good green and is back down the business end of the table.
All the reds are clustered in the middle of the table bar one towards the left side. BUT WAIT! A simple pot to the right corner and he plays it too thick! What a miss. Didn’t see that coming. Murphy leads 34-19 and there’s a chance to wrap the frame up here now.
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize
20:10 , Luke BakerNot a great split of the reds from Wu and the break comes to an end after just eight points, Let-off for Murphy
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize
20:08 , Luke BakerMurphy manages to get the black back on its spot early in this break and he’s going along nicely until...
Bridging over the reds to try and poke the pink into the left middle but it hits the top jaw. 34 points but Wu now back at the table straight in among the balls.
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize
20:05 , Luke BakerMurphy plays a safety off the side of the pack and flukes a red to the left corner. Raises a hand of apology but he’ll take it! Then rolls up behind the green.
A few shots later, Wu’s attempted safety bumps off the knuckle of the middle pocket and Murphy can cut a red into the right corner. Not an easy-looking table but he can make a few here at least.
Shaun Murphy 14-14 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 28
19:58 , Luke BakerMurphy takes three reds with blacks to move 41 points ahead with 43 still remaining. Now for frame-ball, down the right cushion. Rolled in nicely! Applause from the audience.
Black added and then Murphy tries to doubel the final red. Rattles out but he’s 49 ahead with 35 left on and Wu doesn’t bother coming back to the table.
Shaun Murphy wins frame 28 to level at 14-14 and strides out of the arena for a quick break with a look of steely determination on his face.
Shaun Murphy 13-14 Wu Yize
19:55 , Luke BakerWu tries to float a long red into the left corner but it stays out. Murphy vindicated for playing safe as another chance now presents itself. This is a frame-winning opportunity although a couple of the reds are in tricky positions.
Shaun Murphy 13-14 Wu Yize
19:53 , Luke BakerLittle nudges and cannons from Murphy to keep the cue ball in the centre of the table and picking off reds. He quickly goes past Wu’s score of 26.
There are a couple of reds on cushions that will need dealing with but there’s plenty of points to be hoovered up first.
But he runs out of position when on 43 and is forced to play safe. This frame is right in the balance with 67 points still available and Muprhy leading 43-26.
Shaun Murphy 13-14 Wu Yize
19:50 , Luke BakerWu will need to go into the pack at some point but OH NO! Before that, he misses a red to left corner. Didn’t see that coming! The red was close to the pink and Wu didn’t quite get the right connection, so it hits the near jaw. Leaves the tabel after making 26.
An opportunity Murphy probably didn’t expect. He stuns into the pack of his first black and it’s ok. Good cut on a red to left corner and back in perfect position!
Shaun Murphy 13-14 Wu Yize
19:48 , Luke BakerWu Yize has absolutely zero interest in safety battles. He’s going for his pots and making his fair share. Nice long red to the left corner is followed by an even better blue into the yellow pocket. He’s box-office.
Quickly races to 20 and the reds are well-positioned with all three high-value colours available. Great break-building chance.
Shaun Murphy 13-14 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 27
19:42 , Luke BakerGutsy break from Shaun Murphy, pots a pink to left middle despite some tricky cueing. The break gets beyond 60 points and then he’s over the line in the frame, leaving Wu needing snookers.
But he’ll want to clear the table and really make a statement. As I say that he misses a red with the rest. But no matter.
Shaun Murphy makes a break of 82 and wins frame 27 to narrow the gap to 14-13
Shaun Murphy 12-14 Wu Yize
19:37 , Luke BakerFour reds and four blacks for Shaun Murphy before he’s forced to go up for a baulk colour. He’s taking his time with this break and has had to pull out a couple of decent pots.
He gets towards 40 points and he’ll be thinking about winning this frame in one visit.
Shaun Murphy 12-14 Wu Yize
19:33 , Luke BakerThere haven’t been too many lengthy safety battles in this match. We’ve got a bit of one here although Wu goes for a couple of outlandish pots and gets lucky not to leave Murphy with anything to go at.
Murphy is superior when it comes to the tactical play (although it’s hardly the strongest part of his game) and Wu’s luck eventually runs out, leaving his opponent a red to left corner to get him going.
Shaun Murphy 12-14 Wu Yize
19:27 , Luke BakerHmmm. That’s a concern for Shaun Murphy. Misses a long, straight pot to the left corner by a long way. Not even close, really...
Wu left with a really tricky thin cut to right middle and it hits the top jaw.
Shaun Murphy 12-14 Wu Yize - WU WINS FRAME 26
19:23 , Luke BakerThe only question left in this frame is whether Wu Yize can make a century. Two reds on cushions will make it tough.
HE reaches 81 and leaves himself a double to right middle. MAKES IT! Class. Tricky pink to follow... Slams it into right middle and comes all the way around the angles to give him a chance at the final red. But it’s too close to the cushion and he misses. Ah, a shame. A scintillating break though.
But a break of 88 and Wu Yize wins frame 26 to lead by two at 14-12
Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
19:20 , Luke BakerThis is a really good start by Wu, he’s striking the cue ball with authority and the break passes the 40-point mark with minimal issue.
He’s taking his time over a couple of shots, just making sure he’s completely happy with what he’s playing. That precision is serving him well and he’s moving closer to the finish line in the frame. All of this without the black being available.
A check of the scoreboard, this pink would put him 68 points ahead with only 59 left. It’s there. What a start to the session for Wu.
Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
19:16 , Luke BakerShaun Murphy was much more relaxed during his walkout, happily saluting the crowd.
But on the table, Wu gets the next opportunity when a Murphy safety hits the bump of the middle pocket. Leaves him a comfortable red to get going and the break quickly moves to 20 points, even with the black out of commission. A good chance to build a lead.
Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
19:11 , Luke BakerWu Yize lost the first five frames of the afternoon session. Can he settle more quickly this evening? Gets a look at a pot straight off the Murphy break.
But misses! Plays it too thick and it rattles out. Murphy does pick out a red, cutting it into the right corner, before rolling up behind the green to put pressure on Wu.
Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
19:10 , Luke BakerWu Yize walks out first. Good reaction from the crowd with a few of the patented “Wuuuuuuuuu” chants. He looks focused, and determined but barely looks up as he walks to the arena floor with purpose.
Shaun Murphy gets a bigger reception and acknowledges the crowd, stopping at the top of the final few steps to raise his hand to the spectators.
FINAL SESSION: Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
19:07 , Luke BakerWe’ll be getting back underway shortly. What a night of action we could be in for.
Remember, 18 frames is the target for victory. Wu Yize needs five, Shaun Murphy six. We could have as many as 10 frames.
This is going to be epic.
The closest final since 2014
18:52 , Luke BakerIt’s about 10 minutes until we get underway again here at the Crucible. And what an evening of action we’re in for.
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Mark Selby in 2014 was the last time a world final was separated by just one frame going into the final session.
Selby went on to win that 18-14. Will one of these men pull away in the same manner or will we go all the way? We haven’t had a deciding frame in a world final since Stephen Hendry vs Peter Ebdon in 2002. We’re due, aren’t we...?
World Snooker Championship final interrupted by protester as referee intervenes
18:31 , Luke BakerThe final of the World Snooker Championship was interrupted by a protester with referee Rob Spencer forced to intervene.
With Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy locked in a protracted safety battle in the third frame, a woman vaulted into the playing area close to the table and appeared to shout something. It was not immediately clear what her intentions were, though it appeared her comment was directed at the BBC.
Spencer ensured the disturbance was short as he rushed quickly to the individual, before she was removed from the Crucible Theatre by security.
World Snooker Championship final interrupted by protester
Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became a star destined to win the World Snooker Championship
18:01 , Luke BakerWant to know a little bit more about Wu Yize - the wonderkid who may be on the brink of his first world title?
Read Lawrence Ostlere’s profile of a man who may well fulfil what seems his destiny as a world champion.
Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became China’s next great snooker star
What is the World Snooker Championship prize money?
17:36 , Luke BakerThe trophy and the honour of becoming world snooker champion is obviously the main prize here at the Crucible but there’s also a fair amount of money on the line for the players.
Here’s the prize pot for the tournament.
- Winner: £500,000
- Runner-up: £200,000
- Semi-finals: £100,000
- Quarter-finals: £50,000
- Last 16: £30,000
- Last 32: £20,000
- Last 48: £15,000
- Last 80: £10,000
- Last 112: £5,000
- Highest break: £15,000
- Maximum break: £40,000, paid out in addition to the highest break prize. The break bonuses are shared if two players hit the same total.
WATCH Wu Yize snatches final frame of the session
17:04 , Luke BakerWu Yize held his nerve and pinched a crucial final frame of the afternoon session
A huge end to the penultimate session! 🤝
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 4, 2026
What a final evening we have upon us in Sheffield...#WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/IjZEaxGXN9
END OF SESSION: Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize
16:40 , Luke BakerA fascinating session of snooker. Wu Yize looked in all sorts of trouble as Shaun Murphy rattled off the first five frames, with the Chinese star looking completely lost.
But he responded well, digging deep and winning each of the final three frames to snatch back the lead at 13-12.
What an evening of snooker we’re in for. It all restarts at 7pm BST remember
Shaun Murphy 12-13 Wu Yize - WU WINS FRAME 25
16:20 , Luke BakerWu does what’s required to get over the line and spectacularly clears the table for a break of 60. Top stuff.
Wu Yize wins frame 25 to lead 13-12 and he’ll have a one-frame advantage heading into this evening’s session.
That’s a great recovery by Wu after losing the first five frames of the session. He wins the final three to snatch back the lead
Shaun Murphy 12-12 Wu Yize
16:16 , Luke BakerA nice split of the reds by Wu and this has been a classy break from the Chinese star. He gets to 61 but then lets the cue ball get away from him slightly.
There’s no pot on a red, so he’s forced to play safe. He leads 61-5 with 67 still on but Murphy has a slash at a long pot, misses and Wu is straight back in. Now he’s over the line and he’s going to lead heading into tonight
Shaun Murphy 12-12 Wu Yize
16:11 , Luke BakerMurphy pots an early red but no colour to follow and Wu then gets a chance with a nice pot of his own to start.
Great shot! On 8, Wu cuts a pink into the bottom corner pocket and sends the white screaming around the table, in and out of baulk, landing perfectly on another red. Pure class and a sign he’s feeling it again!
The break moves beyond 20 and then 30.
Shaun Murphy 12-12 Wu Yize
16:03 , Luke BakerOne frame left in this afternoon session. The players are going to head into this evening as close as they can be but there’ll be a slight psychological edge for whoever is a frame ahead, so the next 15 minutes or so will be important.
Who can get their nose in front?
Shaun Murphy 12-12 Wu Yize - WU WINS FRAME 24
16:00 , Luke BakerWu misses a pot when the break is on 46 but he’d already scored more than enough.
Wu Yize wins frame 24 and levels the match at 12-12.
Shaun Murphy 12-11 Wu Yize
15:59 , Luke BakerWu has really steadied the ship now. Get back in and looks like he’ll get over the line in this frame to level the match once more.
He’s finding the heart of the pocket with his pots once more and there’s a good tempo to his play.
Shaun Murphy 12-11 Wu Yize
15:50 , Luke BakerAnother good long pot from Wu. Hampered cueing but cuts the red into the heart of the left corner pocket. But the cue ball doesn’t run quite far enough, snookering him on his intended red so he can only add 11 to his score.
Wu is then close with a long red but it just stays out and hangs over the hole for Murphy to tap in. Both pink and black are tied up though, so all he’s left with is a safety off the baulk colours and just one point. Wu leads 27-1.
Shaun Murphy 12-11 Wu Yize
15:47 , Luke BakerAre Wu’s wobbles behind him now? Crunches in a couple of long pots early in frame 24 as he looks to continue the momentum of the previous frame.
Can’t get position on a colour soon after though, so departs the table having made just 12.
Shaun Murphy 12-11 Wu Yize - WU WINS FRAME 23
15:38 , Luke BakerThis is much better from Wu, he’s starting to get good action on the cue ball and picking off reds and pinks.
Leaves himself a tricky cut to the left corner for frame-ball red. Great pot! He’s over the line in this frame and finally wins his first of the afternoon. It all came from Murphy’s missed cut to the right corner.
There’s not enough on for Wu to make a century but it’s a break of 64 and Wu Yize wins frame 23 to claim his first of the day and narrow the deficit to 12-11.
Shaun Murphy 12-10 Wu Yize
15:33 , Luke BakerWu misses a long red to the right corner but Murphy can’t capitalise and Wu is back in with a simple starter red.
He needs to take advantage this time and try to kill this frame off.
Shaun Murphy 12-10 Wu Yize
15:30 , Luke BakerCan Wu Yize find a way to reset and stop the bleeding? He’s got another chance at the table here - he needs to lock in and make telling contribution.
He looks good to start this break and pots a nice red on the stretch on 26. He pots a yellow to follow but there’s no position on a red.
The break ends at 29 as he plays safe. Certainly not decisive.
Shaun Murphy 12-10 Wu Yize
15:24 , Luke BakerPlenty for Wu Yize to ponder. This session has been an absolute disaster for him.
He’ll be desperate for it to end but he needs to find a way to snatch a couple of frames
Shaun Murphy 12-10 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 22
15:21 , Luke BakerNo mistake from Murphy. Clears the table for a break of 67.
The frame was at Wu’s mercy but he missed a black off the spot. He’s really struggling here.
Shaun Murphy steals frame 22 and extends his lead to 12-10.
Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize
15:19 , Luke BakerThis would be a really damaging steal from Murphy if he pinches this frame. Good pot into the left corner to keep the break going on 26 and he lands nicely on the black.
Black wriggles in! The final red is on the right-hand side of the table, so a slight stretch for ‘the Magician’ , potting into t a blind pocket but it’s in the heart!
All the colours are more or less on their spots. This one is going to hurt Wu Yize...
Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize
15:16 , Luke BakerAggressive shot from Wu on 12 as he brings the black off the bottom cushion while potting a red. Plays it nicely - good shot.
He’s looking a bit more fluent now. The break moves beyond 30 points but NO! Takes a long time over a black off the spot when he’s on 37 and misses it! Rattles in both jaws and stays out. This is not good for Wu.
Murphy right back in.
Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize
15:11 , Luke BakerThat’s a poor safety from Wu, only succeeds in moving a red right over the corner pocket and Murphy duly takes advantage with a pot, although misses a tough blue to follow.
That leaves Wu right in among the balls. He desperately needs a sizeable break to settle his nerves.
By his third, he’s got a mid to long-range red but cuts it in nicely to big applause from the Crucible crowd. They’re willing the youngster on here.
Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize
15:06 , Luke BakerBack underway for four more frames this afternoon. Wu Yize needs to find a way to win at least two of them really.
His long-pot success for this session is at 31 per cent - very un-Wu. But it’s Murphy in first as he strokes in a red, followed by the blue.
However, despite the reds all being spread in the middle of the table, they’re blocking each other so he’s forced to play safe on just six.
WATCH: Wu Yize takes seven attempts to get out of a snooker
14:55 , Luke BakerThis might sum up Wu Yize’s afternoon so far. Shaun Murphy is not exactly renowned from his tactical safety play but snookered Wu behind the pink and it took the Chinese cueman seven attempts to escape.
It basically handed that frame to Murphy and Wu continued to struggle from there.
Super safe from Shaun Murphy! 🔐
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 4, 2026
It took Wu Yize SEVEN attempts to get out of this snooker.#WorldChampionship | @nordvpn pic.twitter.com/K6D1NJsNky
MID-SESSION INTERVAL: Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize
14:47 , Luke BakerWow. What a brilliant mini-session for Shaun Murphy, who takes all four frames with breaks of 76, 52, 59 and 55 to suddenly lead 11-10.
Wu Yize desperately needs the mid-session interval to try and stop the rot because this match could get away from him if he’s not careful.
Shaun Murphy 11-10 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 21
14:44 , Luke BakerThe break reaches 40 when Murphy has the opportunity to go into the pack off the blue but opts to pick off another loose red instead.
His lead is 63 points, with only 59 left, once he’s finished potting the loose reds, so he plays safe. Wu needs a snooker, and plays on for it but immediately gives Murphy a pot to finish the frame in earnest, which he takes, and then clears the table for a break of 55.
A dream mini-session for Shaun Murphy. He wins frame 21 to take all four frames and turns a 10-7 deficit into an 11-10 lead
Shaun Murphy 10-10 Wu Yize
14:37 , Luke BakerA thin cut on a red to the green pocket gets Murphy in once more. He’s soon back down the business end of the table and has the cue ball on a string as he picks off reds and builds his lead, with the break moving beyond 30 points.
Shaun Murphy 10-10 Wu Yize
14:28 , Luke BakerIt never rains but it pours... Wu Yize finally pulls out a long pot on a red but then leaves himself snookered on all colours, below the main pack.
He gives away six penalty points trying to come off the cushion and roll into the pink but succeeds on his second try.
Shaun Murphy 10-10 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 20
14:25 , Luke BakerMurphy doesn’t need the safe red, the other reds with colours give him a 49-point lead with 35 remaining by the time he gets there. He tries to double it to right middle, it rattles both jaws and comes out but Wu won’t bother returning to the table.
His three-frame overnight lead has disappeared. Shaun Murphy wins frame 20 and levels the match at 10-10.
Shaun Murphy 9-10 Wu Yize
14:20 , Luke BakerAnother makeable pot missed by Wu and the frustration is beginning to build. Murphy back at the table and a nice split of the pack off the brown when he’s on 15.
One red on the left cushion but four in the middle of the table that looks there for the taking. We might be moving towards 10-10...
Shaun Murphy 9-10 Wu Yize
14:15 , Luke BakerA shake of the head from Wu. He misses a black off the spot and his break ends at 13.
Murphy needs to pile on while his opponent is struggling. But he overcuts a red down the left rail and it rattles out to end his own break on just eight.
Then another miss from Wu! A mid-range red to the right corner. The sort of pots he’s been making all tournament long... Is the pressure of a world final telling at last?
Shaun Murphy 9-10 Wu Yize
14:09 , Luke BakerWu Yize is starting to wobble here. The 22-year-old doesn’t look comfortable this afternoon and his long potting has started to desert him. Another red rattles out of the pocket.
Twice, Murphy pots a red but there’s no colour to follow so no damage done.
Shaun Murphy 9-10 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 19
14:04 , Luke BakerThe fourth-last red is stroked into the left corner pocket and that leaves Wu needing snookers. What a start to the afternoon for Shaun Murphy. He’s giving his young opponent plenty to think about.
Murphy will now try to make a century although the two reds tied up on the bottom cushion will prove tricky. Great shot to free them! A little smile to himself from the Englishman.
But he’s slightly snookered so can’t pot the red. Still, a break of 71 and the gap is just a single frame.
Shaun Murphy wins frame 19 and closes the gap to 10-9.
Shaun Murphy 8-10 Wu Yize
13:59 , Luke BakerMurphy is looking impressive here and a little cannon on the pack of reds off the black frees a couple more.
The break passes 50 and there don’t seem to be any obstacles between Murphy and the frame victory. He’s looking very composed.
Shaun Murphy 8-10 Wu Yize
13:56 , Luke BakerWu gives a glance up to the crowd, as if suggesting he was distracted by a noise of some sort.
Murphy then picks out a lovely two-ball plant to the right corner and he’s back in amongst it.
Shaun Murphy 8-10 Wu Yize
13:48 , Luke BakerGood long pot by Wu Yize at the start of frame 19 to get in but a cannon goes wrong off the second red, so the break ends at five.
Shaun Murphy 8-10 Wu Yize - MURPHY WINS FRAME 18
13:44 , Luke BakerThat’s a big frame for Shaun Murphy. That snooker behind the pink got him right up to the line and he soon got over it.
Had to win the first frame of this afternoon’s session really and that’s exactly what he does.
Shaun Murphy wins frame 18 and narrows the gap to 10-8.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:39 , Luke BakerMurphy is able to take the penultimate red with a black, so his lead is now 10 points as another safety battle ensues on the last red.
Good snooker behind the pink from Murphy! Wu misses it three times trying to swerve round the pink and come off the cushion, so concedes 12 penalty points.
I’m not sure this shot is on to be honest... Wu agrees as he changes tack, trying to come off one cushion but cannons into the blue with his first attempt, then misses again, and again! Murphy happy to keep putting this back.
He’s earned 25 points from the snooker so far, the score is now 72-37 and Wu can only tie the frame. A seventh attempt to escape and he finally get it! But he’s gone from right in the frame to 35 points down with only 35 points on.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:25 , Luke BakerThere’s a couple of reds on the left cushion that Murphy will need to deal with to turn this into a frame-winning break. But he clears the reds in the middle of the table first to mostly eradicate Wu’s lead.
Great shot! Potts a red to left corner and dislodges the tougher one on the left cushion, bringing it into a much more pottable position. Left with a long blue as a result but rattles it in.
However, he’s run out of position, so is forced to play safe. Good snooker behind the black. A break of 37 and he leads 39-37 with two reds left.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:21 , Luke BakerWu mostly working with the blue early in the break but the points are steadily racking up.
On 36 he’s left with a tricky red to left middle, bridging over another red but it’s there. But then a miss! A long blue up into the green pocket and it rattles out.
Life in this frame for Shaun Murphy. He returns to the table trailing 37-2.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:17 , Luke BakerNot good from Murphy. Back in with a red, left with a black along the bottom cushion but clips the near jaw and stays out. A shake of the head from the Englishman as he trudges back to his chair.
He needs a fast start this afternoon but Wu is right in among the balls with a good chance to score.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:14 , Luke BakerShaun Murphy with the first pot of the afternoon, applauded by the crowd. But it’s only the red, with no colour to follow, so just one point.
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
13:10 , Luke BakerHere come the players, introduced, as ever, by irrepressible MC Rob Walker.
Wu Yize out first to a good reception but Shaun Murphy receives a thunderous ovation and soaks it all in. The crowd would love to see a comeback from ‘the Magician’ and a really close final
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize
12:59 , Luke BakerPlay will resume shortly, with eight frames scheduled for this afternoon’s session.
Yesterday evening could hardly have gone better for Wu Yize. The players finished the afternoon session at 4-4 but Wu dominated the evening’s play, winning it 6-3 to establish a healthy three-frame lead over Shaun Murphy.
It’s not terminal for the Englishman by any stretch of the imagination but Wu is in control and looks perfectly at home in his first world final.
What is the World Snooker Championship prize money?
12:54 , Luke BakerThe trophy and the honour of becoming world snooker champion is obviously the main prize here at the Crucible but there’s also a fair amount of money on the line for the players.
Here’s the prize pot for the tournament.
- Winner: £500,000
- Runner-up: £200,000
- Semi-finals: £100,000
- Quarter-finals: £50,000
- Last 16: £30,000
- Last 32: £20,000
- Last 48: £15,000
- Last 80: £10,000
- Last 112: £5,000
- Highest break: £15,000
- Maximum break: £40,000, paid out in addition to the highest break prize. The break bonuses are shared if two players hit the same total.
World Snooker Championship final interrupted by protester as referee intervenes
12:51 , Luke BakerThe final of the World Snooker Championship was interrupted by a protester with referee Rob Spencer forced to intervene.
With Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy locked in a protracted safety battle in the third frame, a woman vaulted into the playing area close to the table and appeared to shout something. It was not immediately clear what her intentions were, though it appeared her comment was directed at the BBC.
Spencer ensured the disturbance was short as he rushed quickly to the individual, before she was removed from the Crucible Theatre by security.
World Snooker Championship final interrupted by protester
Phones, protests and Shaun Murphy can’t stop flying Wu Yize in first world snooker final
12:46 , Luke BakerWu Yize overcame ringing phones, a protester and the efforts of Shaun Murphy to build a healthy overnight lead in his first World Snooker Championship final.
A female protester briefly interrupted play early in the match, at least one audience member was kicked out after phones rang with the players down on the shot on multiple occasions and Murphy failed to live with a barrage of scoring in the evening session as the 22-year-old Wu acclimatised nicely to the biggest match of his life.
Perhaps having been all but knocked out as Mark Allen lined up a simple winning black in their semi-final has given Wu a free hit at the title or perhaps the fearlessness of youth – a trait Murphy himself has cited as key to his own Crucible success at the age of 22 back in 2005 – is spurring him on but there is no indication of the Chinese wonderkid being overawed.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from day one of the final at the Crucible:
Phones, protests and Shaun Murphy can’t stop Wu Yize in first world snooker final
Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became a star destined to win the World Snooker Championship
12:41 , Luke BakerWant to know a little bit more about Wu Yize - the wonderkid who may be on the brink of his first world title?
Read Lawrence Ostlere’s profile of a man who may well fulfil what seems his destiny as a world champion.
Wu Yize: How the boy with bad technique became China’s next great snooker star
Session times today
12:41 , Luke BakerThe players will be back for more shortly. Here’s the session times for today
13:00
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize - frames 18-25
19:00
Shaun Murphy 7-10 Wu Yize - to a conclusion
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize
12:40 , Luke BakerGood afternoon from the Crucible and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2026 World Snooker Championship final.
Shaun Murphy has a job on his hands against 22-year-old wonderkid Wu Yize, with Wu leading 10-7 overnight.
The target for victory is 18 frames, so there’s still work to do, but not since 2014 has the player trailing after the first day gone on to win the final.
