Wu Yize, aged 22, reached the final of the World Snooker Championship after a close semi-final victory over Mark Allen, winning 17-16 on May 3 in Sheffield [1]. Wu is only the third Chinese player to reach the final at the Crucible and is the 34th player overall to do so [1]. Before this tournament, Wu had never won a match at the Crucible [1].
Mark Allen, 40, lost his third Crucible semi-final, having previously fallen at this stage in 2009 and 2013 [1]. Allen said after his defeat, "I did not deserve to go through" [1]. Wu acknowledged the tough match, saying, "I feel I have still not recovered from the nerves. I feel sorry for Mark. I thought I was going to lose, but I was able to take the opportunity. Tonight I played well but made a few mistakes, towards the end I was lucky."
Wu will face Northern Irish player Shaun Murphy in the final, with sessions scheduled for May 5 and May 6 local time [1]. Wu praised Murphy's form, noting, "Shaun has played well throughout this tournament, and scoring heavily, it will be a very tough match" [1]. Wu added, "I will give it my best in the final; I will give it everything to win" [1].
The final marks a milestone in Wu's rising career as he seeks his first Crucible title after a breakthrough season.
