Mark Selby directed a heartfelt message to his spouse Vikki after shedding the closing on the Crucible on Monday. After falling 18-15 to Belgium's Luca Brecel in Sheffield, the four-time world champion insisted' well being was extra necessary'.
Selby showcased a commendable fightback on Monday night to scale back Brecel's lead from 16-10 to 16-15, however the latter held his nerve to grow to be snooker's first world champion from the European mainland.
After the match, being heralded as one of many best Crucible finals of all time, Selby made positive to place the loss into perspective as he despatched his spouse assist.
He instructed Sport: "12 months in the past, it was simply good to return again and simply play and attempt to take pleasure in it. From the place I have been to the place I'm now, I've loved the final two weeks.
"It did not end how I needed it to, however with issues going off the desk as effectively, not simply with me however with Vikki as effectively, you already know, clearly I realise that well being is extra necessary.
"It is a recreation, a recreation that you simply wish to win, however should you do not, it is not the tip of the world."
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Vikki, who married Selby in 2010, often accompanies him with daughter Sofia Maria at tournaments.
It is unclear what private battle she has just lately confronted, however Brecel confirmed his class to additionally ship her effectively needs throughout his victory speech.
He mentioned: "I am unable to wait to see what this brings for snooker in Belgium, Europe and the remainder of the world.
"I've the very best workforce, finest household, finest girlfriend, finest buddies, and it makes you so robust. And I might similar to to say to Mark and Vikki – keep robust."
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Brecel has launched from ninth to second behind Ronnie O'Sullivan on the planet rankings after his maiden world crown.
The 28-year-old produced a shocking fightback to knock O'Sullivan, the defending champion, out of the quarter-finals.
And his household had been current in Yorkshire to observe him make historical past on Monday, hugging his father, mom and girlfriend through the trophy ceremony.
Brecel is simply the fourth abroad winner on the Crucible, following Canada's Cliff Thorburn, Eire's Ken Doherty and Australia's Neil Robertson.