The wait is over. After three days of semi-final drama, we have our finalists: Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize will contest the World Snooker Championship crown at the Crucible this afternoon. Murphy scraped past John Higgins 17-15 in a tense encounter, while Wu Yize pulled off a stunning upset to deny Mark Allen 17-16. Now comes the best-of-35 frames showdown that will define their seasons.
Semi-Final Results
Shaun Murphy 17-15 John Higgins: Murphy held his nerve when it mattered. A grinding affair that went to the wire, but the English cueman found a way through a wily opponent.
Mark Allen 16-17 Wu Yize: Shock of the tournament. Allen came agonisingly close but couldn’t close it out. Wu Yize’s composure under pressure was the difference, taking the decisive frame when it counted.
Today’s Session
The final begins at 13:00 with Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize going head-to-head for the title.
Murphy is a marginal 2.0 favourite despite being the more established name, while Wu Yize sits at 1.8. That tells you everything about the market’s respect for what the Chinese cueman achieved to get here. Murphy’s route to the final was harder on paper, but the odds suggest the bookmakers see genuine value in Wu Yize’s ability to handle the occasion.
This is a best-of-35 match, so pacing will be crucial. Wu Yize has already shown he won’t be intimidated by the stage. Murphy will need to assert himself early, bank some frames, and avoid the mental lapses that nearly cost him against Higgins. Wu Yize has the momentum, the upset mindset, and improving odds working in his favour.
Title Race, Where the Money Is
The Crucible Curse looms large here. No first-time finalist has won this championship since 1977. Wu Yize is walking into that headwind, but the betting market has priced it in at 1.8. That’s short enough to suggest the professionals think his run can continue, despite the historical burden.
Murphy is the safer play at 2.0 for backers wanting an established name with Crucible experience. But Wu Yize’s odds represent genuine value given what he’s already achieved this week. The market is split, and rightly so.
Odds: 2.0 โ BetsAPI
Murphy’s semi-final grit against Higgins showed he has the mettle for the big stage. Wu Yize is a worthy opponent and the odds reflect that, but experience counts in a 35-frame marathon. Murphy should edge this one, and the Crucible Curse hanging over first-time finalists gives extra reason to back the established hand.
Like This? Get More Picks Free
Weekly free bets, odds picks and betting guides โ straight to your inbox.