Wu Yize’s mum breaks down in tears as Chinese star wins World Snooker Championship in nerve-wracking deciding frame

Wu Yize has etched himself in snooker folklore as he became the latest name to win the World Snooker Championship.

The Chinese star took out his maiden world title with a pulsating 18-17 win over Shaun Murphy, earning the acclaim of all those inside the Crucible.

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Yize and Murphy’s thrilling contest marked the first time a Crucible final had gone to a deciding frame since 2002, when Peter Ebdon triumphed over Stephen Hendry.

And, at age 22, Yize became the second-youngest winner of the World Snooker Championship behind only Hendry, who was 21 years and 106 days old when he won in 1990.

The drama of it all prompted BBC snooker presenter Hazel Irvine to state: “We have just witnessed one of the greatest finals in crucible history.”

Yize began in blistering fashion, racing out to a 3-0 lead.

However, Murphy, the 2005 world champion, roared back and rattled off four-straight frames.

Yize hit back with three unanswered frames to take a 6-4 lead before both cueists went tit for tat.

Murphy then kicked into gear in the 18th frame as the momentum soon had him 12-10 in front.

But Yize wouldn’t allow the former world champion to streak ahead any further as he won the next four to retake the lead.

The drama remained unrelenting before it reached a crescendo when Yize held his nerve in the 35th and final frame to prevail 18-17.

Yize: My parents are ‘source of my strength’

Speaking to Irvine after the match, Yize, who had scooped up £500,00 in prize money, was quick to heap praise on his parents.

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“My parents are the true champions,” Yize said.

“Since I made the decision to drop out of school my dad has been by my side, my mum has been going through a lot.

“They are the source of my strength, I love them so much.”

Upon hearing her son’s words, his mother became visibly emotional and had to wipe away her tears of pride.

No boos, just Wuuus

During Yize’s post-match interview, there were also cries of ‘Wu’ echoing around the Crucible.

Given the similarity of his name to the sound of boos, Yize admitted he thought that, at the start of the tournament, he was public enemy no.1 among the patrons.

“At the beginning, I had a misunderstanding, I thought they were booing me,” Yize said.

“But the staff told me they were cheering for me, so I can’t thank you enough.

“No matter who you support, I feel the love of snooker is mutual.”

And as for how Yize plans to toast his triumph, there’s only one thing on his mind.

“I just want to have a good sleep,” Yize said.