The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield holds only 980 people, and during Sunday's matches, the atmosphere was intense. Security removed a woman who tried to climb onto the stage during the third frame. Mobile phones rang throughout the evening, and the referee had to stop play several times to address the noise.
Throughout all of this, Wu Yize, a 22-year-old from Lanzhou, continued to play brilliantly. He now leads experienced player Shaun Murphy 10-7 after two sessions of the 2026 World Snooker Championship final. With three frames ahead and two sessions remaining, Wu is very close to winning.
If Wu wins, he will become the youngest world champion since Stephen Hendry in 1990. He will also be only the second Chinese player to win this title, after Zhao Xintong's victory last year.
The match started level at 4-4 after Sunday afternoon's session. Murphy, who won the championship in 2005, played well and showed his experience. However, Wu took control in the evening, winning six of nine frames with impressive scores.
Wu began training at age 11 and won his first major title last year. Stephen Hendry, who set the record for youngest champion 36 years ago, has praised Wu's talent. The final continues Monday with two more sessions. The first player to win 18 frames will become champion and receive £500,000.