World snooker champion Wu Yize has revealed heartwarming plans for his £500,000 prize money after claiming his first world title. The 22-year-old Chinese star defeated John Higgins 10-6 at The Crucible on Monday, securing both the trophy and a substantial financial reward.
Plans for the Prize Money
Speaking to SportsBoom, Wu said: "Buy a house and take my parents travelling. There are many things I'd like to buy. My parents are the true champions. They are the source of my strength. I love them so much." Despite the windfall, the young champion admitted his immediate priority is rest: "I just want to have a good sleep. I was feeling the nerves throughout the full match, right now I just want to go to bed."
Family Sacrifices
Wu highlighted his mother's ongoing health battle, explaining: "My mum wasn't in very good health condition for a long time. During that time we were in Sheffield, she has been in hospital a lot. She is forever a source of strength to me." He added: "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. She sacrificed everything for me. 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."
Praise from Officials
Jason Ferguson, chairman of snooker's governing body, praised Wu: "This boy is just outstanding. I've known Wu for a number of years, known his father for many years and seen the struggles and the tough battles to get to this stage. You cannot believe what it means to that family to actually be in that arena holding that trophy. It's quite an incredible moment. We are seeing a changing of the tide and it has to happen. Wu is really now entering that era of becoming a great where he can go on and win and win and win."
