Wu Yize Holds Narrow Lead Over Shaun Murphy in World Championship Final
Wu Yize is striving to become the second youngest champion at the Crucible Theatre.
Wu Yize maintained a slim 13-12 advantage over Shaun Murphy heading into the final session of their World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
After Wu produced a series of substantial breaks to establish a 10-7 lead overnight, Murphy responded strongly in the best-of-35-frames final on Monday afternoon.
The English player, who won his first world title in 2005 and is attempting to set a new record for the longest interval between first and second championships, won the first five frames of the session with breaks of 76, 52, 59, and 60.
However, Murphy benefited from some uncharacteristic errors by his 22-year-old opponent, who seemed burdened by the pressure of the occasion.
Wu's usual long-potting prowess was noticeably absent, allowing Murphy multiple chances to capitalize.
Wu managed to halt Murphy's momentum in the 23rd frame by compiling a crucial break of 64 after Murphy left a red ball over the right corner pocket.
That pivotal frame shifted the momentum back to Wu, enabling him to minimize further losses.
Wu, who has the potential to become the second-youngest world champion at this prestigious venue, equalized the match with a break of 46 and then reclaimed the lead with runs of 60 and 61 in the session's final frame.
This leaves just a single frame separating the two finalists when play resumes at 19:00 BST, marking the first time since 2014 that the final has been decided by one frame. In that year, Mark Selby ultimately defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 18-14.
