Wu Yize Fends Off Murphy Fightback to Lead 13-12 in World Snooker Final

Wu Yize held off a Shaun Murphy fightback to take a 13-12 lead into the final session of their World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Murphy roared back into contention Monday afternoon in the best-of-35-frames match. After trailing 10-7 overnight, the Englishman reeled off the first five frames with breaks of 76, 52, 59 and 60. A former champion in 2005, Murphy seeks a new record for the longest gap between first and second titles.

Wu, 22, appeared burdened by the occasion early on. His long-potting ability absent, he left Murphy repeated chances to capitalize.

Wu stopped the run in the 23rd frame with a break of 64 after Murphy missed a red over the right corner. That swung momentum back his way and limited the damage.

Wu could become the second-youngest world champion at snooker's most famous venue. He leveled with a 46, then took the lead again with runs of 60 and 61 in the session's last frame.

The finalists return at 19:00 BST with one frame between them, the closest since 2014 when Mark Selby beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 18-14.