Wu Yize of China claimed his first World Snooker Championship title by defeating England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic, deciding frame final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 4, 2026. The 22-year-old's victory makes him the second Chinese player to win the sport's most prestigious trophy, following Zhao Xintong's win in 2025. Wu explicitly credited Zhao's historic triumph as a key motivator, stating it made him believe he could also succeed. His achievement has drawn significant praise, including from seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who earlier in the year called Wu a "phenomenal player" and predicted he would reach World No. 1 within three years. In China, Wu is affectionately known as "Little Wu," a nickname referencing both a former hairstyle and his renowned calm composure under pressure.