New world snooker champion Wu Yize has disclosed that Ronnie O'Sullivan sent him an encouraging message during his gruelling clash with Shaun Murphy in what proved to be a Crucible final for the history books. Wu became the second-youngest player to lift the trophy on Monday, defeating Murphy 18-17.
The two competitors delivered the first final-frame decider since Peter Ebdon beat Stephen Hendry in 2002. Following a remarkable battle on Sunday, Wu entered Monday holding a 10-7 advantage.
Nevertheless, Murphy fought back, claiming the opening five frames as he edged 12-10 in front. After trading blows and ultimately being level at 17-17, Wu secured a dramatic triumph with a composed break of 85.
Following Wu's success, the Chinese sensation told Stephen Hendry that it was O'Sullivan's message that spurred him to mount a comeback just as Murphy began to seize control of the match.
Speaking on the Snooker Club podcast, Wu said: "I think the experience made the difference. At that time my goal was to extend the lead and I wasn't playing really that bad, I just wasn't focused on doing what I do best. I went out and tried to give myself some time to cool down. Ronnie texted me and told me to stay focused, to be calm and also to play to my strengths. I am very happy that I was able to do that."
The seven-time world champion has acted as an unofficial mentor to Wu over the past year, practising alongside the Chinese star and even tipping the youngster to claim a world title in the not-too-distant future.
When asked just how much the Rocket had contributed to his run to the final, the 22-year-old said: "He's been helping me so much. He taught me how to handle the situation during the match. How to handle the different situations on the table. It is definitely the experience that I have learned from him. I have benefitted from the time I've spent with him a lot. I was so happy because I love this sport so much. It is a dream come true. It is so inspiring and I feel like I have done myself proud."
Wu's triumph means Murphy has now suffered defeat in his last four World Championship finals. Reflecting on his latest loss, the 43-year-old said: "I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion. I hate being right - I said sometime earlier in the season when we had a great game out in China somewhere, I won that one but 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 any more, 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."
