LONDON — China could have its second successive snooker world champion after Wu Yize came back from the brink of defeat against Mark Allen to win 17-16 in a thrilling semi-final decider yesterday.

The 22-year-old Wu will now look to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, the 2025 champion, when he faces Shaun Murphy in the final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre after the Englishman defeated his compatriot in the last eight.

Northern Ireland’s Allen was on the verge of victory at 16-15 up when, in ideal position, he missed the final black of the 32nd frame off its spot.

Wu, by far the youngest of the four semi-finalists, then knocked the black in to level at 16-16.

In the decider, he missed a difficult long red and let Allen in for a break before the 40-year-old ran out of position after splitting the pack.

And when Allen left a tricky red on, Wu cut the ball into the bottom corner and cleaned up in a superb display of nerve and skill to reach his first world final.

Northern Ireland’s Allen had one foot in the showpiece match at 16-14 up and on a break of 45.