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.
And Wu, 22, pocketed the £500,000 as he was crowned China’s second successive Crucible champion in the first decider final since 2002.
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, etched his name in history and 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.’
China’s Wu Yize became snooker’s youngest world champion in 36 years on Monday night
He beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a gripping Crucible final that went down to the very last frame
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.
