O/T Snooker

Interesting to see who plays him in the final.

Strangely enough I think Williams will be more of a test for him because of the tactical play.

I agree, Judd and Zhao are similar in the sense they play quick, are break builders and they like it their own way.

Mark isn’t exactly known for his explosive break building or quick play, he plays to his strengths and I’m not sure how Zhao would fair against the safety and patience of Williams.

Ronnie very gracious in defeat.
What a lovely lad that Zhao is. Very relaxed with Ken and Seema in the studio.

This will make for an amazing final whoever he plays.
I'd love to see Mark win it (if he gets there) however I would also love to see Zhao win it too.

Been a fantastic world champions so far

Great to see:



Straight after the match Xintong went to Ronnie’s dressing room. He thanked him for his help and support, without which he wouldn’t have got to the final so quickly.

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Love that!

Class from Ronnie

Ronnie hasn't really got top form all tournament.
I do feel that we are witnessing the beginning of the end for Ronnie. I wonder how many more years we will see him playing.
He's quire far down on the one year rankings. Not sure how much difference getting to the semis will make.

One things for sure. You won't see him scrapping it out in qualifiers!

Ronnie hasn't really got top form all tournament.
I do feel that we are witnessing the beginning of the end for Ronnie. I wonder how many more years we will see him playing.
He's quire far down on the one year rankings. Not sure how much difference getting to the semis will make.

One things for sure. You won't see him scrapping it out in qualifiers!

I've written Ronnie off before and learnt my lesson, won't do it again.

I just think he wasn't prepared enough for this tournament to win it.

Hasn't played a ranking event match for six months, not played a competitive match for three and a half months and had a new cue that wasn't working for him.

He kept on saying that he was using this tournament as a springboard for his comeback and that he'll commit to focusing on his snooker for two years. I hope he does that.

Well hope you're right Worcester lol.
However he can't go on for ever. All good things have to come to an end at some point.

Well hope you're right Worcester lol.
However he can't go on for ever. All good things have to come to an end at some point.

Very true.

Mark Williams was much the better player in this morning's session and wins it 5-3.

Williams leads 13-11 going into the final session at 7pm.

Definitely can’t write Ronnie off, I agree.

Considering he hasn’t really played for 6 months and still managed to get to the semi finals without even being anywhere near his best is a testament to how good he actually is.

He has a few seasons left in him if he can find the love for the game and beat his own personal battles.

As for Williams, it’s great to see him playing well.

50 years old and still at the top of his game.

Even if he beats Trump I don’t see him beating Zhao unfortunately

Mark Williams will play Zhao Xintong in the World Snooker Championship.

Williams beat Judd Trump 17-14 in the semi final.

Cementing his place as a legend of the sport.

He has a tough game in the final but really hope he wins his fourth world title.

Mark Williams is the oldest ever player to reach a World Snooker Championship final. The 50 year old Welshman is looking to win his fourth world title - having previously won it in 2000, 2003 and 2018.

Zhao Xintong will be the first ever Chinese player to win the World Championship if he's successful. His biggest achievement so far is winning the 2021 UK Championship. His compatriot Ding Junhui previously reached the final in 2016 but didn't go on to win the title.

Williams shades the head to head, winning four of the six matches they have played - although Zhao won their last meeting, in the 2022 German Masters.

The best of 35 match begins on Sunday at 1pm with the other scheduled sessions on Sunday evening, Monday afternoon and Monday evening.

Zhao leads 7-1 after the first session.

Williams had his chances but never really looked like taking them. It was a poor session by both players really but Zhao will be pleased obviously at 7-1 up.

Still very early days in the final but you'd think Williams has to win tonight's 7pm session at least 5-3.

Long road back now. I fear he needs to be within two after the later session. This Chinese lad could run away with it. Playing brave snooker and it’s working for him.

Still early days but this kid is the real deal. Make no mistake about that!
Williams needs to win this session 5-3 absolute minimum.

Love Zhao and if he was playing another other player than Ronnie or Mark I'd want him to win.

I think we're witnessing the new world champion and not long before I can see him and Trump having a rivalry

The second session is shared 4-4, which leaves Zhao 11-5 up.

Williams had his chances to take more as Zhao was a little bit off it, but couldn't take them.

Zhao only needs seven more tomorrow to take the title.

The second session is shared 4-4, which leaves Zhao 11-5 up.

Williams had his chances to take more as Zhao was a little bit off it, but couldn't take them.

Zhao only needs seven more tomorrow to take the title.

Actually there's one more frame to go, I thought they were only playing eight tonight but it turns out it's nine

The second session is shared 4-4, which leaves Zhao 11-5 up.

Williams had his chances to take more as Zhao was a little bit off it, but couldn't take them.

Zhao only needs seven more tomorrow to take the title.

Actually there's one more frame to go, I thought they were only playing eight tonight but it turns out it's nine

Williams wins the last to make it 11-6.

Just about still in this but needs to sort out his cue ball control tomorrow.

The Dickie Bows will be out tomorrow night

Back to a 7 frame lead now. Almost game over

Make that 8

Not watching because I'm out and about, but looking like it's all over.

Zhao has been brilliant this tournament. I wanted Williams to win, but Zhao probably deserves it. Him and Trump and have been the best players in the tournament.

From what's been an amazing tournament. The final is a bit underwhelming if I'm being perfectly honest.
Mark hasn't turned up

From what's been an amazing tournament. The final is a bit underwhelming if I'm being perfectly honest.
Mark hasn't turned up

He's fighting back now...

Zhao Xintong wins the World Snooker Championship by beating Mark Williams 18-12.

He is the first Chinese player to win the competition. The result also sees him re-enter the top 16.



Gutted for Williams, but he just didn't turn up in most of the final. Great comeback to keep the score respectable.

Zhao still had to do his job though, and he did.

Some not happy he was even allowed in this competition, but the way I see it is that he's served his time.

Congratulations to him.


Great tournament, I enjoyed it

Well done Zhao. Fully deserved.

I agree Worcester. Served his ban. Wasn't directly involved in throwing a match. WPBSA handed out punishments proportionally to all parties involved in my opinion.

Love to go see him now become a real force in world snooker now.
He plays snooker like snooker should be played. Wonderful to watch.

Fair play to both players - Williams the oldest finalist and the Young lad coming back from his ban .