China’s Wu Yize, 22, becomes youngest Snooker world champion

Chinese snooker prodigy Wu Yize has been crowned the 2026 World Champion at just 22 years old after beating Shaun Murphy in a dramatic final-frame decider at the Crucible Theatre on Monday, May 4.

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With his 18-17 victory, the 22-year-old Wu is the second-youngest winner of the worlds after Stephen Hendry at age 21 in 1990.

“I have been trying to go for this for ages. For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I’m so happy that I could play well today,” Wu said.

“My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side,” Wu said.

“My mum has also been going through a lot over the years, they are the source of my strength, I love them so much.”

Asked how he will celebrate, Wu said: “I just want to have a good sleep. I have been feeling nerves all the time since before the match, so now I just want to go to bed!”

Wu follows in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong, who 12 months ago became the first-ever champion from Asia in a milestone moment for a game whose stronghold has always been in Britain.