Wu Yize delivered a deeply emotional tribute to his parents after clinching the World Snooker Championship title, overcoming Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final at the Crucible Theatre. The 22-year-old Chinese sensation became the second youngest world champion ever, securing the £500,000 top prize and catapulting himself to snooker superstardom.
A Heartfelt Message to His Parents
Speaking on the arena floor after his historic victory, Wu Yize, through a translator, told the BBC: 'My parents are the true champions.' He elaborated, 'Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has also gone through a lot over the years. They are the source of my strength, I love them so much.'
The new world champion revealed in his post-match press conference that his mother has been ill and in and out of hospital for an extended period. 'My mum wasn't in very good health condition for a long time,' he explained. 'During that time we were in Sheffield, she has been in hospital a lot. She is forever a source of strength to me. She is feeling much better now. This is the second time she has visited me in the UK, I think in the future I will take her more to be by my side.'
He added, 'She sacrificed everything for me.' Recalling a crucial moment in his career, he said, 'At that time she told me don't come back home, I can manage everything. It was the second year I was playing in the UK. At that time my ranking was very low so it was a crucial time for me to achieve some good results and keep my professional status. She means everything to me.'
A Journey of Sacrifice and Perseverance
Wu Yize's path to glory was paved with hardship. As a teenager, he moved from China to South Yorkshire with only his father to pursue his snooker dream. Financial constraints forced them to share a 'tiny windowless room, sleeping on the same bed.' Despite these challenges, Wu never considered giving up. 'I never had a thought to give up,' he asserted. 'Obviously that time was a very tough moment in my life. Living in a poor condition like that, I had so much acne, maybe because of an infection from the air condition. But I think it was a strength I have built over the years. If you really love snooker it is the path you have to go through and fight through.'
Historic Victory at the Crucible
The final against Shaun Murphy was an all-time classic, with Wu winning 18-17 in a deciding frame—the first such finish in a Sheffield showpiece for 24 years. His thrilling, attacking style captivated fans, and he had previously defeated Mark Allen in a decider in the semi-finals. This victory propels Wu to number four in the world rankings and has earned him over £860,000 this season alone.
The days of sharing a cramped room are now over, but Wu remains grounded, acknowledging his parents' immense sacrifices. His mother's health struggles, which kept her in and out of hospital, are now improving, and Wu looks forward to having her by his side more often. With a stellar career ahead, Wu Yize's journey is a testament to resilience, family support, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
