Wu Yize paid a moving tribute to his parents after his World Snooker Championship victory, highlighting the sacrifices his mother made despite her health struggles. The 22-year-old Chinese star beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling Crucible final, the first deciding frame win in Sheffield for 24 years.
Wu, who also defeated Mark Allen in a semi-final decider, has won over fans with his attacking style. However, his journey to the top has been challenging. He moved to South Yorkshire as a teenager with his father, leaving his mother behind due to financial constraints. The pair shared a tiny windowless room and slept on the same bed while Wu pursued his snooker dream.
After his win, Wu told the BBC: 'My parents are the true champions. 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.' He later revealed his mother had been in and out of hospital for a long time but is now feeling better.
Wu said his mother told him not to return home during a critical period in his career, sacrificing her own needs for his success. 'She sacrificed everything for me,' he explained. Despite the tough times, including living in poor conditions that caused health issues, Wu said he never considered giving up.
The victory, which earned him £500,000, has propelled Wu to number four in the world rankings and over £860,000 in season earnings. He becomes the second youngest world champion in history, with a stellar career ahead.
