Mark Williams delivered a vintage performance to defeat world No. 1 Judd Trump, securing a place in the final of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. The 50-year-old Welshman, aiming for his fourth world title, put on a masterclass, registering four centuries and 10 breaks over 50 in a 17-14 win. This victory sees him face Zhao Xintong in a final that pits two players from different generations against each other, with Williams the experienced veteran and Zhao, at 28, the up-and-coming star.
Williams’ achievement is remarkable, considering his recent struggles and a battle with his eyesight. He’ll undergo lens replacement surgery in June, yet despite this, he’s defied expectations by competing at the highest level. He expressed his disbelief at reaching another final, particularly after recent challenges in the sport. “I don’t know how I’m doing it,” he remarked, reflecting on his ability to compete with the world’s top players, including Trump, who has dominated the sport in recent years.
In the semi-final, Williams found himself trailing 7-3 early on, but he mounted a comeback, leveling the match at 8-8. He then surged ahead with a strong performance in the second session, taking five of the eight frames to build a 13-11 lead. A further break of 67 and 65 in the final session helped him extend his lead to 15-11. Although Trump responded with a century, bringing the score to 15-12, Williams remained focused, delivering a decisive century to leave Trump needing a near-perfect comeback. Trump managed to win the 29th frame, but when Williams finished off the match with a break of 123, it confirmed his place in the final.
Williams, who won his first world title in 2000, now has the chance to make history by becoming the oldest-ever world champion in snooker. His most recent world title in 2018 was memorable, as he delivered a press conference naked, fulfilling a promise made earlier in the tournament. His career, marked by ups and downs, has seen Williams overcome considerable adversity, including a period in 2024 when he nearly considered retirement after a disappointing exit from the qualifying rounds.
On the other hand, Zhao Xintong’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. After a 20-month ban due to a betting scandal, Zhao has worked his way back into the sport, having to go through four rounds of qualification just to make it to the Crucible. His performance in the semi-final was commanding as he demolished seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7. Zhao’s exceptional run through the tournament, combined with his impressive victory over O’Sullivan, has seen him become a serious contender for the world title. His performance against O’Sullivan, including an incredible eight-frame sweep in the morning session, demonstrated his class and potential. With a mix of youthful energy and raw talent, Zhao has quickly made a name for himself in snooker.
O’Sullivan, who has been in the sport for decades, expressed confidence in Zhao’s ability to win the title. He praised Zhao’s skill and suggested that a world championship victory could elevate the young player to megastar status, especially in China, where snooker continues to grow in popularity. If Zhao wins, it would mark a historic moment for snooker, as he would become the first Chinese world champion.
Both players come into the final with something to prove, and with contrasting playing styles, this final promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Williams brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Zhao will bring a youthful drive and the ambition to etch his name in snooker history. With both players having already achieved remarkable feats in the tournament, the final promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
