Image source, Getty Images

And that brings to an end our live page for the final of the 2026 World Championship.

What a competition it has been and it ends with China's second winner.

Wu Yize, at the age of 22, has the trophy after a truly brilliant final. Thanks for joining us and for your comments. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did.

Until next time, on behalf of all the team, thanks and goodbye.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

Wu Yize became the second-youngest player to be crowned a Crucible champion after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a compelling World Championship final.

In a contest brimming with drama, Wu and Murphy served up the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002.

It is only the fourth time the showpiece match has reached a concluding frame since the tournament moved to what is now regarded as its spiritual home in 1977.

Like those that have gone before, it was every bit as electrifying with both players going for their shots in a wonderful finale.

Somehow Wu held himself together under the most extreme pressure, despite failing to knock in a simple back off its spot when glory beckoned in the penultimate frame.

That had allowed Murphy a reprieve and he took full advantage to force a 35th frame with a run of 75.

However, Wu sealed a historic win with a nerveless break of 85 to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Zhao Xintong, who was China's first ever winner 12 months ago.

Wu is three months younger than Murphy was at the time of his only world title to date in 2005 and sits only behind Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he triumphed for the first time in 1990.

Along with the £500,000 top prize, Wu's success propels him to fourth in the world rankings - having started the season outside the game's elite top 16 players.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

It is arguably the best standard we've ever seen [in the tournament], with the most amazing semi-finals we've ever seen and an amazing final.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

Shaun Murphy was given a round of applause when he walked into the press room a few moments ago.

The Englishman has produced some exceptional snooker over the last 17 days but has agonisingly just fallen short again.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

Murphy can be proud. He can been brilliant all week. Some of the matches that he has played in, and he has hit the ball great. I think there is more to come.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

It’s only a game and Shaun Murphy is going to be around for a few more years. He’s enjoying his snooker, and it’s still a great life.

Your mind goes back to Saturday evening - this is how close Wu Yize came to being knocked out of this tournament at the semi-final stage by Mark Allen.

My word, hasn't he made the most of that opportunity.

Wu Yize, speaking to BBC Two via an interpreter: "I think it was the belief. I have been trying to go for this for ages. For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I am so happy that I could play well today.”

On the support from his mum and dad: “My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has also been going through a lot over the years, they are the source of my strength, I love them so much.”

On his fans and the 'Wuuuu' chant: “At the beginning I had a misunderstanding, I thought they were booing me. But then the staff told me they were cheering me on so I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for all your support, I think the love for snooker is mutual."

On how he’s going to celebrate tonight: “I just want to have a good sleep. I have been feeling nerves all the time since before the match, so now I just want to go to bed."

Huge commiserations to Shaun Murphy, who has played his part in a sensational tournament and a brilliant final.

It's now four consecutive defeats in world finals for the 2005 champion, who also lost in Crucible finals in 2009, 2015 and 2021.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

No-one has played better and lost the world final. He should be so proud, Shaun Murphy.

Wu Yize, aged 22, becomes the second-youngest world champion in the Crucible era.

Only Stephen Hendry, who was 21 in 1990, was younger than the 2026 winner.

As the confetti falls from the Crucible ceiling, Wu Yize, wrapped in the China flag and flanked by his family, has his hands on the famous World Championship trophy.

He kisses the top of it. What a moment for him and what another great moment for snooker in China.

Shaun Murphy, speaking to BBC Two: "Very proud. It’s been an excellent couple of weeks for me and my team. I have had a wonderful time in Sheffield, an amazing time. We have had some laughs, and gee, did we come close. We were very, very close."

On Wu Yize: "I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion. I hate being right, I said sometime earlier in the season, we had a great game out in China somewhere, and I managed to win that one.

"I came out afterwards and said that he would be world champion one day, it’s just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn't have given it anymore, I couldn't have tried harder. I played the best shots I could have played and I didn't get my chance. I couldn't do any more than that."

Wu Yize's parents have been watching along in the Crucible and his mother and father, who both are very, very close to crying, are mentioned by the winner in his celebratory interview.

Full quotes coming up soon.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

What a brand of snooker that he plays. Attacking, aggressive snooker. It’s brilliant to watch.

Image source, Getty Images

A lovely moment at the end of a brilliantly-played final with the pair hugging at the end of it.

A great occasion, with superb sportsmanship.

Image source, PA Media

For the second year in a row, China has a world champion.

After Zhao Xintong last year, Wu Yize has won it at the Crucible this year. He seals it with a break of 85 to win 18-17 in one of the greatest finals ever.

WU YIZE IS THE CHAMPION.

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion on BBC Two

Wu Yize will be feeling it. He will be shaking inside.