In the year 2026 World Snooker Championship: Wu Yize holds off Shaun Murphy in the final game to maintain a slim lead.

Wu Yize held off Shaun Murphy to secure a slender 13-12 lead in the final session of the world championships at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

After watching Wu produce a series of big breaks to pull away to a 10-7 lead on the night, Murphy returned to contention emphatically in Monday afternoon’s 35-frame final.

In the year The Englishman, who was crowned champion in 2005 and is aiming to set a new record for the longest gap between first and second place, improved from the first five frames with breaks of 76, 52, 59 and 60.

But he was given a big helping hand by his 22-year-old opponent, who initially carried the weight of the event on his shoulders.

Wu repeatedly gave up opportunities to capitalize on Murphy as his long-term pitcher skills stood out in his absence.

To his credit, Wu stopped rotting in the 23rd frame of the match – creating a vital break of 64 after Murphy left red in the right corner.

That shifted the momentum in Wu’s favor, allowing him to limit his damage.

Wu, who could become the second-youngest world champion at snooker’s most famous venue, leveled the match with 46 contributions before taking the lead with runs of 60 and 61 in the final session.

It means there will be just one frame separating the finalists when they return at 19:00 BST – the first time that has happened since 2014, when Mark Selby beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 18-14 in the final.