Playing Wu Yize is like 'trying to lasso a stag,' according to former Masters champion Alan McManus, as the young star leads Shaun Murphy in the World Snooker Championship final. The 22-year-old, who had never won a match at the Crucible before this year, is now just eight frames from becoming world champion after taking a 10-7 lead over Murphy following two sessions.
Wu Yize's Dazzling Performance
The attack-minded, free-flowing youngster has been showcasing his incredible long-potting ability against Murphy, known as 'The Magician.' Wu has also displayed remarkable nerve and composure, exemplified in the final frame of Sunday when he sank an outrageous long red and cleared up to win a crucial frame from behind. The race to 18 frames is far from over, but former Crucible semi-finalist McManus believes Murphy faces a 'big job on his hands' against the gun-slinger who is proving extremely difficult to contain.
'The strength of an opponent is making Shaun feel uncomfortable,' McManus said on TNT Sports. 'Shaun played beautifully to win the final four frames against John Higgins last night, but he is playing against someone who…it is like trying to lasso a stag and it just keeps running and you can't get a hand on it. That's what it feels like. Wu Yize is playing his way, his game, his type of snooker, and Shaun is having no effect on him. Shaun has got a big job on his hands tomorrow.'
McManus and Hendry Praise Wu's Approach
The Scot, known more for his granite matchplay than free-wheeling attacking intent, added: 'It must be a brilliant feeling to feel that free. Free and easy, fast and loose, and not worry about anything. The other guy knows it as well, and that is difficult to play against. The pressure will bite more tomorrow, but he is in a terrific position.'
Stephen Hendry, the seven-time world champion, is also loving what he has seen from Wu. 'What a player. He's just brilliant. He plays the game properly and goes for the shots,' Hendry said. 'He's obviously at a stage of his career when he's not had many scars and he's not thinking about the consequences of missing. He's just having fun. The important thing is when he's playing shots, he's fully committing to them. There are no thoughts of bailing out at any stage. He's having fun out there and that's the worst kind of opponent you can have, someone who looks as though they're enjoying themselves.'
Murphy's Respect for His Opponent
Murphy is not surprised by Wu's performance, having lost 6-2 to the Chinese sensation at the Masters in January. 'He's sensational, isn't he?' Murphy said ahead of the match. 'He battered me at the Masters. He is a wonderful, wonderful player, an absolute star.' When asked about his game plan, the Englishman quipped: 'I've got no idea really. I think in the words of the late, great John Virgo, I think I have to pot as many balls as I can.'
The players return at 1pm on Monday for the third of their four sessions at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
