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Wu Yize family in tears after emotional BBC World Championship speech

Wu Yize overcame Shaun Murphy in a dramatic 18-17 final-frame decider to claim the World Snooker Championship title on Monday evening

[Wu Yize with his parents]

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Wu Yize delivered an emotional speech after winning the World Snooker Championship(Image: VCG via Getty Images)

Wu Yize had to stop mid-sentence during his victory speech as he paid tribute to his parents following his World Snooker Championship title win. When BBC presenter Hazel Irvine invited him to say a few words about his mum and dad, who supported his move into a one-bedroom flat in Sheffield to pursue his sporting ambitions, Wu needed a moment to gather himself before responding.

Wu, aged 22, becomes the second-youngest player in history to claim the trophy, behind Stephen Hendry, and is the second Chinese champion in consecutive years following Zhao Xintong's success 12 months ago. He defeated Shaun Murphy in a thrilling 18-17 final-frame decider, keeping his composure to seal victory.

After a lengthy pause, Wu told his parents: "My parents are the true champions."

It was at this moment that his mother had to wipe tears from her eyes, as the champion went on: "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, they are the source of my strength. I love them so much."

[Wu Yize parents]

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It was an emotional evening for Wu Yize's family

Regarding his legion of new supporters, who had been chanting "Wuuuu!" throughout his matches, the player confessed he originally believed they were booing him.

He said: "At the beginning I had a misunderstanding, I thought people were booing me. But the staff told me they were cheering me on and I can't thank you all enough. No matter who you support, I think the love of snooker is mutual."

When quizzed by Irvine on his plans for celebrating, Wu revealed he was simply looking forward to a "good sleep".

Wu went on to say: "Since the first session I was feeling nerves all the time. So right now I just want to go to bed. I have been trying to go for the strength for ages. For the past month I have been leading the same life, I am so happy I could get this done today."

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Murphy, who had been chasing his second title after his 2005 triumph, was equally magnanimous towards Wu in his runner-up speech. "I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family," the Magician said.

"And everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion. I hate being right, I said sometime earlier in the season, we had a great game out in China somewhere, and I managed to win that one.

"I came out afterwards and said that he would be world champion one day, it's just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn't have given it anymore, I couldn't have tried harder. I played the best shots I could have played and I didn't get my chance. I couldn't do any more than that."

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