According to Xinhua and other sources, the 2026 World Snooker Championship concluded in the early hours of May 5 (Beijing time), with China's rising star Wu Yize securing the title after a thrilling 18–17 victory over England's Shaun Murphy.
Born in October 2003 in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, Wu began playing billiards at the age of seven under the guidance of his father, quickly demonstrating exceptional talent. He also received coaching from national champion and Gansu-based cue sports player Da Hailin.
In 2012, before turning nine, Wu faced "The King of Snooker" Stephen Hendry in Lanzhou. Since committing to the sport, he has spent more than a decade honing his skills through relentless practice.
In November last year, Wu claimed his first ranking title at the 2025 International Championship, where he compiled four century breaks in a 10–6 victory over John Higgins in the final.
Wu is also the first player born in the 2000s to reach a World Championship final.
His run in this year's tournament was remarkable. In the first round, he defeated compatriot Lei Peifan 10–2, followed by a 13–11 win over four-time world champion Mark Selby. He then beat Hossein Vafaei 13–8, before staging a dramatic 17–16 comeback victory against Mark Allen in the semifinals to book his place in the final.
Murphy, meanwhile, was also in strong form, eliminating China's Fan Zhengyi, Xiao Guodong, and Zhao Xintong, before defeating veteran John Higgins to reach his fifth World Championship final.
Notably, when the English "Magician" won his world title in 2005, Wu was not yet two years old.
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