China's Wu Yize became snooker's youngest world champion in 36 years as he beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a gripping Crucible final. Stephen Hendry's longstanding record as the youngest winner of the World Snooker Championship dates back to 1990 when he beat Jimmy White 18-12 aged 21 years and 106 days old. Wu, 22, pocketed the £500,000 prize as he was crowned China's second successive Crucible champion in the first decider final since 2002.
A Historic Victory for China
The Far East country have long been tipped to dominate the sport, and Zhao Xintong was their long-awaited first champion last year. Wu, who led 10-7 overnight, overcame an afternoon wobble to etch his name in history. He said: 'It's amazing to be world champion, I have dreamt of it for a long time. I've been living the same life for months, I'm so happy it's paid off. My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school my dad has been by my side. They are the source of my strength.'
Murphy's Heartbreak
Murphy, 43, was bidding to end a 21-year wait to become a multiple world champion and join an elite group of greats. The gutted Englishman, who has now lost in four world finals, said: 'We came close, we came very, very close. I hate being right. I said earlier this season he would be world champion one day. I couldn't have given it anymore.'
Murphy won the first five frames of the day to lead 12-10. The Chinese cueman hit back to lead 13-12 going into the evening. They traded black-ball frames in a gripping end as the match went 15-15. Wu got ahead once more before Murphy made a fine 131 clearance to go 16-16. The youngster produced a 91 break to put one hand on the trophy but he missed a black when in to win as Murphy forced a fitting decider. It was Wu who held his nerve with a title-clinching 85.
