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Wu Yize and Mark Allen play longest Crucible frame in World Championship semi-final
Wu Yize and Mark Allen produced the longest frame in Crucible history, lasting 100 minutes 21 seconds as eight reds remained on the black. The marathon frame helped produce a 7-7 session-ending score and delayed the other semi-final, with World Snooker upholding the referee's handling of a frame restart rule. Earlier in the day, Wu had a potting surge, while Allen recovered through a string of notable pots including a 145 break and a 121 century.
Why It Matters
The session showcased an extraordinary and unusual frame that drew international attention to officiating and frame-restoration rules, while shaping the trajectory of the World Championship semi-final.
Timeline
13 Events
World Championship final scheduled to begin
May 2, 2026
The showpiece final is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 13:00 BST, with Wu Yize facing Shaun Murphy.
Shaun Murphy defeats John Higgins to reach World Championship final
May 2, 2026
Shaun Murphy beat John Higgins 17-15 in the other semi-final to reach his fifth Crucible final. Murphy opened with breaks of 132 and 127 and rallied from a 13-11 overnight deficit, winning four consecutive frames from 15-13 down; Higgins contributed with a scrappy 27th frame and an 88-break, but Murphy closed out the match in the later frames.
Wu Yize defeats Mark Allen to reach World Championship final
May 2, 2026
Wu Yize recovered from a 16-14 deficit to win three consecutive frames (breaks of 67, 52 and 71) and reach the World Championship final. Allen then broke down on 45 in the 31st frame and missed a simple black in the 32nd frame, handing Wu the win and a place in the final.
Session ends 7-7; Higgins–Murphy semi-final delayed
May 1, 2026
The session ended 7-7, with six of eight frames played, and the resumption of the other last-four match between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy delayed.
World Snooker rules re-racks decision; no changes made
May 1, 2026
World Snooker ruled out making changes around re-racks and said the rule was applied correctly by the referee.
Frame ends as Allen fouls and nudges the black; Wu takes the frame
May 1, 2026
The stalemate ended when Allen fouled and nudged the black in, allowing Wu Yize to win the frame.
55-minute stalemate in the 14th frame; Eckardt warns players
May 1, 2026
The frame then remained without a ball potted for 55 minutes, prompting referee Marcel Eckardt to warn the players.
14th frame begins; longest frame in Crucible history in progress
May 1, 2026
The 14th frame began and would last 100 minutes 21 seconds, with eight reds remaining covering the black over the bottom right corner pocket.
Allen makes 121 clearance, ninth century of the tournament
May 1, 2026
A run of 121 brought up Allen's ninth century of the tournament, the most compiled by any player at this year's championship.
Wu hits 145 break, level at 6-6 after missing black
May 1, 2026
Wu knocked in a sublime 145 break - the highest of the championship so far – and drew level at 6-6 after he missed a black off its spot.
Wu Yize makes a half-century; Allen then wins marathon frame
May 1, 2026
In the following frame Wu knocked in a half-century. Allen then prevailed in another marathon frame lasting more than an hour, during which Wu was unable to drop in a long blue to the bottom right corner.
Opening frame of second session ends with Allen securing win as Wu misses final red
May 1, 2026
The second session began with Allen wrapping up the opening frame of the day after Wu completely missed the final red.
Thursday session: Wu Yize dominates with potting display; Allen largely confined to chair
April 30, 2026
The article notes that up to that point it had been a complete reversal of fortunes from Thursday, when Wu held sway with a devastating display of potting that left Allen largely confined to his chair.