Shaun Murphy recovers from 3-0 down to level at 4-4 in World Championship final against Wu Yize

Shaun Murphy produced a fighting comeback to draw level at 4-4 against Wu Yize after the opening session of their World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Watch the highlights:

Wu Yize made the stronger start, establishing a 3-0 lead in the best-of-35 frames contest. However, Murphy, the 2005 world champion, dug deep to win four consecutive frames before the interval, restoring parity heading into the evening session.

The final continues through the weekend, with the match requiring 18 frames for victory. Both players are seeking a first world title since reaching this stage of the sport's most prestigious tournament.

Murphy, who won the Masters in 2009 and the UK Championship in 2008, has been a consistent presence at the Crucible over the years. Wu's path to the final marks a notable achievement for the Chinese player on the sport's biggest stage.

The championship, held annually at the iconic Sheffield venue, is regarded as the premier event in professional snooker.