Wu Yize’s Triumph: From Shared Room to World Champion in One Heart-Stopping Match
Wu Yize is preparing to go property hunting after capturing snooker’s most prestigious title. The 22-year-old became the second-youngest world champion in history, defeating Shaun Murphy in a thrilling 18-17 finale at the Crucible. Just a year after Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to claim the championship, Yize followed suit, delivering the first 35th-frame decider at the tournament since 2002.
Remarkably, Yize had never won a match at the iconic venue before this year, yet he now holds the legendary trophy and a £500,000 prize. Having shared a tiny room—and even a bed—with his father while pursuing his career after relocating to Sheffield six years ago, he plans to use his winnings to buy a home for his parents and take them travelling, fulfilling long-held dreams alongside his professional breakthrough.
Murphy, known as the Magician, was denied the chance to join snooker’s elite group of multiple Crucible winners, which includes Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Steve Davis, John Higgins, Mark Selby, and Mark Williams. The 2005 champion, only 18 months old when Murphy first lifted the title, showcased fearless determination throughout the tournament, defeating Lei Peifan, Selby, Hossein Vafaei, and Mark Allen to reach the final.
The final itself was a rollercoaster. Yize surged to a 3-0 lead, only for the match to ebb and flow, reaching 16-16 after Murphy kept the pressure on. A missed black off the spot left Yize momentarily on the brink at 18-16, but he steadied himself in the deciding frame. With composure beyond his years, Yize sealed victory, etching his name into snooker history and signaling the arrival of a new generation of talent.
From humble beginnings to world champion, Wu Yize’s triumph is a story of resilience, ambition, and a dream realized—a moment that promises to redefine the future of Chinese snooker.
