LONDON — China’s Wu Yize won the World Snooker Championship for the first time with a dramatic 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy in the final.
Wu held his nerve to seal his thrilling triumph in a tense last frame shoot-out at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.
“I have been trying to go for this for ages. For the past few months, I have been living the same life. I’m so happy that I could play well,” Wu said according to AFP.
The 22-year-old is the second Chinese player to win the world title after Zhao Xintong beat Mark Williams to make history as the first Asian to lift the trophy last year.
Wu is also the second youngest player to be crowned world champion at the Crucible after Stephen Hendry, who was 21 when he won in 1990.
Wu’s father and mother wiped away tears of joy before joining him for the trophy presentation.
“My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side,” Wu said.
“My mum has also been going through a lot over the years, they are the source of my strength, I love them so much.”
Asked how he will celebrate, Wu said: “I just want to have a good sleep. I have been feeling nerves all the time since before the match, so now I just want to go to bed!”
Murphy, who has lost four World Championship finals since winning in 2005, added: “I hate being right, but we had a great game in China earlier this season. I came out afterwards and said he would be world champion one day.
