World Championship Snooker Final: Craig’s picks for the Crucible climax between Murphy and Yize

Betfred readers have secured each-way returns at 20/1 on Shaun Murphy in the 2026 World Championship Snooker Final, following recommendations from our tipster, Craig Edwards (@EdwardsTips), and now the ex-pro previews today’s final for readers.

Read his World Championship Snooker final tips below...

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Shaun Murphy vs Wu Yize

• Best of 35 frames
• Four sessions: Sunday 3 May & Monday 4 May
• Winner £500,000, runner up £200,000

The World Snooker Championship stands as one of Britain’s most celebrated sporting events. Many people in their 50s fondly recall staying up late to witness Dennis Taylor's dramatic 18-17 victory on the black ball in 1986.

Alex Higgins' emotional win in 1982 is a historic moment, among many others that have shaped the sport. As we look ahead, the question remains: who will claim the 2026 title after a gruelling marathon of 35 frames?

The Finalists

Shaun Murphy: 1/1 (2.00)

Can Shaun Murphy win his second world title 21 years after his first?

Shaun Murphy has delivered each-way returns for readers at 20/1, and after an intense semi-final win of 17-15 against John Higgins, we can look forward to the final with no risk. The English player has been dominant since the round of 16, where he decisively beat Xiao Guodong 13-3. This followed a tense opening round victory over Fan Zhengyi, where Murphy described his performance as “the best clearance of his life,” edging out his opponent on the pink with a score of 10-9.

In the quarter-finals, Murphy overcame a slow start against defending champion Zhao Xintong, trailing 3-0, before winning the session 5-3 and triumphing 13-10. Despite Zhao’s spirited defence, the Crucible Jinx struck again.

Having former world champion Peter Ebdon as part of his team has significantly influenced Murphy’s game, helping him adopt a more ruthless and precise approach. Their collaboration has already been validated by their 2025 Masters win. Ebdon's experience and guidance during critical moments have kept “the Magician” focused throughout this titanic semi-final victory.

Wu Yize: 5/6 (1.83)

While I have ample respect for Wu Yize's achievements at such a youthful age, I initially doubted that the Crucible Theatre - or the demanding structure of the World Championship with its tighter tables - would suit him. My impression was shaped when he won the International Championship under the season’s most forgiving conditions, dominating with his remarkable long potting and break-building skills, yet later experiencing a second-session collapse against Chris Wakelin in the Tour Championship, which reinforced my scepticism.

However, the 22-year-old has proven me wrong with an outstanding run to the final. His best-of-25-frames win over four-time champion Mark Selby in the round of 16, followed by a dramatic semi-final victory against Mark Allen - secured in a deciding 33rd frame after Allen missed a straightforward black for a 17-15 win—were particularly impressive feats.

Repeatedly, Yize has displayed resilience in overcoming setbacks, and his prowess in long potting evokes memories of Shaun Murphy’s triumphant campaign for the 2005 World Title.

The Conclusion

There is much to consider when working through a world final with a view to find value bets.

How have the two players matched up in the past?

Only twice have Yize and Murphy crossed swords and it is 1-1 though Yize won their most recent and biggest match at Alexandra Palace 6-2 on debut.
Will the past Crucible experience of the players’ matter?

This will be Shaun Murphy’s fifth world final, but he has only won once back in 2005 as a qualifier the first time around.

The roles are reversed now, and Murphy must repel an inexperienced precocious talent.

You can bet on the event with betfred by clicking on the button below, which will take you directly to this Betting Market...

1.5 pts Shaun Murphy to beat Wu Yize @ 1/1

With Peter Ebdon supporting Murphy and helping him remain focused, it appears highly likely that the 44-year-old will secure the World Championship on Monday evening.

While Wu Yize's accomplishments are commendable, favouring him for the title match seems unwarranted based on current analysis. Those who placed early bets at 20/1 may feel comfortable letting them stand; however, given the present odds, my decision is to back Shaun Murphy once more.

1 pt No 50-break frame 1 @ 23/10

An interesting bet is No 50-break in frame 1, which is generically priced like it is a normal frame.

But, with the tension and nerves running through the two players combined with the huge respect and occasion there can often mean be a bet to be had as the competitors feel their way into a match slower in frame 1, indeed the two times the players have previously met that was the case.

A mention for a Betfred Price Boost, because this match could be a swashbuckling encounter of break building and potting. Shaun Murphy 4+ Century Breaks & Wu Yize 4+ Century Breaks at 9/2 (5.50), that is worth a small punt (0.5 points) for fun and value.

Check out the rest of our Snooker Betting Tips over at Betfred Insights.