A stormy, unforgettable spell of snooker has produced a new world champion, dramatic Crucible encounters and heated debate off the table.
Wu Yize claimed the 2026 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield after an extraordinary final against Shaun Murphy that went the distance. The match was settled 18-17 in a final-frame decider, capping a tournament full of swingy momentum — Wu held a 10-7 overnight lead at one point before the contest swung back and forth. The final also featured crowd disruption, with a spectator ejected early on and warnings about phones in the auditorium.
After the win, Wu revealed he had exchanged texts with Ronnie O’Sullivan during the match, with the seven-time champion offering timely advice that Wu says helped him through the tense finish.
Several other matches produced memorable moments. Mark Allen and Wu Yize played the longest frame in Crucible history in a marathon session that tested players and officials alike. Zhao Xintong stunned fans with an incredible three-ball ‘hat-trick’ pot during his quarter-final tie against Murphy, a shot widely praised for its audacity and skill.
The World Championship also saw its share of drama involving Ronnie O’Sullivan in other contexts. At the Crucible he began strongly — compiling a 7-2 opening-session lead against He Guoqiang and later opening a 6-2 advantage against John Higgins — but those matches were far from straightforward. Higgins fought back in a classic tie to beat O’Sullivan 13-12, ending the Rocket’s bid for another world title. Emotions ran high during their clash, with outbursts and visible frustration from O’Sullivan at times.
Off-table controversy followed O’Sullivan too. Fellow professionals criticised a particular type of cue chalk he uses, arguing its abrasive compound can produce unpredictable ‘kicks’ and asking the governing body to review or ban it. There were also questions raised about equipment choices after O’Sullivan experimented with using two cues at the Worlds, calling it a gamble that left him a little nervous.
Meanwhile, O’Sullivan has also been active in seniors competition. Making his debut at the World Seniors Snooker Championship in Sheffield, he produced strong results, beating Ken Doherty and advancing deep into the event — a reminder of his enduring presence across different parts of the sport.
Elsewhere in the pro circuit, Hossein Vafaei urged greater respect for the Crucible and likened the venue to snooker’s marquee stages, two years after openly criticising it. And beyond snooker, multi-sport crossovers caught attention: Gerwyn Price confirmed plans to compete at the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if it clashes with Premier League Darts play-off dates.
Taken together, the recent weeks have offered high drama, controversy and moments of sublime skill — from Wu Yize’s dramatic coronation to wild frames, inventive shots and lively debate about equipment and etiquette. The sport arrives at the off-season with fresh storylines and personalities under the spotlight, ensuring plenty to follow as attention turns to the next calendar of events.