Mark Selby sent a touching message of support to his wife, Vikki, after coming up short against Luca Brecel in the World Snooker Championship final.
Brecel won his maiden world title after edging out Selby 18-15 in an enthralling finale at the Crucible on Monday night.
Immediately after the conclusion of the match, Selby was quick to pay tribute to his opponent. And the 39-year-old, who has spoken openly about his mental health in the past, then touched on the struggles that he and his family, particularly his wife, have gone through recently.
He told BBC Sport: "12 months ago it was just nice to come back and just play and try to enjoy it. From where I've been to where I am now, I've enjoyed the last two weeks.
"It didn't finish how I wanted it to, but with things going on off the table as well, not just with me but with Vikki as well you know, obviously I realise that health is more important. This is a game; a game that you want to win but if you don't it's not the end of the world."
The four-time world champion was then lauded by his opponent after his heartfelt message. And the Belgian Bullet took the opportunity to send his own message of support to Selby and his wife after discussing the finale, which will go down as a classic.
Brecel told BBC Sport: “It is amazing, I can hardly see for the tears. Mark is so tough – the worst opponent to have in a final.
“He just keeps coming back and at 16-15 I didn’t fancy my chances. But just getting to 17 made me feel I could do it again, and that I could clear up given a chance.
“Snooker is a tough sport. I had lost five first-round matches and that could have happened again this year, I only beat Ricky Walden 10-9. I can’t wait to see what this brings for snooker in Belgium, Europe and the rest of the world.
“I have the best team, best family, best girlfriend, best friends and it makes you so strong. And I would just like to say to Mark and Vikki – stay strong.”
Brecel became just the fourth non-British winner at the Crucible after holding off Selby's late rally on Monday evening. The 28-year-old Belgian has moved up to second in the world ranks after his big win, with just Ronnie O'Sullivan ahead of him.
