Wu Yize dedicated his remarkable world championship title to his parents after an incredible journey since leaving China with his father to pursue his sporting career.
Wu produced a match-winning break of 85 to win 18-17 to become the second youngest champion of the modern era and the second in succession from China after last year's triumph by Zhao Xintong.
Having beaten Mark Selby and Mark Allen en route to the final, Wu picked up an army of fans for his free-scoring style, repeatedly digging deep to repel a succession of much more experienced opponents.
Wu Yize: "My parents are the true champions" ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Iv8XznQcIe
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 4, 2026
Victory completes a remarkable story that started when he arrived the UK six years ago with his father, sharing a bed in a windowless flat in Sheffield as he tried to carve out a career as a professional player.
Wu, who said he would celebrate with "a good sleep", added: "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 not been in very good health. Since we have been in Sheffield she has been staying a long time in hospital. She has sacrificed everything for me."
Murphy, who had battled his way to the final after appearing on the brink of defeat against another Chinese player, Fan Zhengyi, in the opening round, had few regrets about the conclusion.
"It was a great match and I thought we put on a great show," said Murphy. "Wu is one of the most talented players I've ever seen and I hate being right about things, because I said after we played in China a few months ago that he would be world champion.
"I’m heartbroken that I didn’t win but I couldn’t have tried any harder. I guess people will say I was in first in the decider, but I didn’t really do anything wrong. I played the best shots I could and as a snooker player that’s really all you can do.
"I remember how it feels as a 22-year-old having never won a match here, coming here and getting to the final, so all credit to him. When he got his chance he took his chance. I don’t feel like I lost the match – he won the match."
