Wu Yize has revealed the profound sacrifices his family made to help him become a world snooker champion. The 22-year-old Chinese star defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final at the Crucible, becoming the second-youngest world champion in history and only the second from China to claim the title.
Emotional Victory
After lifting the trophy, an emotional Wu paid tribute to his parents, saying: "My parents are the true champions. Since I decided to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has been through a lot over the years. They are my strength; I love them so much."
Mother's Health Struggles
In his post-match press conference, Wu elaborated on his mother's health issues. "My mum wasn't in very good health for a long time. During our time in Sheffield, she was in hospital a lot. She is forever a source of strength to me," he explained. "She is feeling much better now. This is the second time she has visited me in the UK. In the future, I will take her to more tournaments."
Wu recalled her sacrifice: "She told me, 'Don't come back home; I can manage everything.' It was the second year I was playing in the UK, a crucial time for me to achieve good results and keep my professional status. She means everything to me."
A Journey of Hardship
Wu's path to glory was anything but easy. He moved from Lanzhou, China, to Sheffield as a teenager with his father, speaking almost no English. His father quit his job to accompany him, and they lived in a tiny, windowless room, sharing a bed for the first two years in Yorkshire.
Financial struggles were constant, with Wu relying on limited prize money to cover bills and food. Homesickness also took a toll. "Especially the first year, I wasn't mentally in a good place," he said earlier in the tournament. "But I'm really happy I overcame many difficulties to get where I am today."
Never Gave Up
Despite the hardships, Wu never considered quitting snooker. "I never had a thought to give up," he said. "That time was very tough. I lived in poor conditions, had so much acne from the air conditioning. But if you really love snooker, it's the path you have to fight through."
Work Ethic and Support
Wu's childhood coach, Roger Leighton, who trained him in Foshan, China, when he was 11, remembered his immense work ethic. "When he came to me, his highest break was 49. After a couple of weeks, he hit an 86. I said, 'That's great,' but he said, 'It's no good because Ronnie would have cleared up.' That's his mentality," Leighton said. "He was a fun-loving kid who laughed a lot to release pressure."
Now ranked world number four and with a £500,000 winner's cheque, Wu's financial worries are behind him. But his focus remains on the future, with his mother by his side.
