Zhao Xintong turns into first Chinese language winner of World Snooker Championship with 18-12 victory over three-time champion Mark Williams on the Crucible
Final Up to date: 05/05/25 8:58pm
Zhao Xintong beat Mark Williams to safe the World Snooker Championship title and turn out to be the event’s first Chinese language winner
Zhao Xintong was topped China’s first World Snooker Championship winner after withstanding a stirring comeback from Mark Williams to finish an 18-12 victory on the Crucible.
Resuming the ultimate session one body in need of victory, Zhao was compelled to attend for his history-making second because the Welsh veteran reeled off 4 in a row to stretch the match past a mid-session interval.
Williams, at 50, the oldest finalist in Crucible historical past, had his possibilities to additional scale back the deficit earlier than Zhao recovered his poise to rocket in a match-clinching break of 87 and lift a Chinese language flag in entrance of the Crucible crowd.
New world champion Zhao instructed BBC Sport: “I can’t believe what I do. Very exciting. Thank you.”
He was additionally stuffed with reward for his opponent, saying: “I’m so nervous tonight. Mark Williams is still a top player, he gave me so much pressure. He’s the best.”
Requested how drained he was after his mammoth effort, the 28-year-old replied: “I’m not tired,” earlier than including he would “maybe have a couple of drinks tonight” to have fun.
Williams added: “What a potter he is, over there. I’m glad I’ll be too old when he’s dominating the game!
“I’ve received nothing however admiration for what he is achieved – hadn’t performed for 2 years, come by qualifiers, bashed Ronnie up, bashed me up… bashed all people up!
“What can you say? There’s a new superstar of the game, and he’s over there.”
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