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Zhao Xintong Seizes 7–1 Lead Over Mark Williams in World Championship Final

Posted : 05 May 2025

Zhao Xintong made a stunning start to the World Championship final by racing into a dominant 7-1 lead over Mark Williams during the first session. The 28-year-old Chinese player, competing in his first Crucible final, showcased composure and clinical break-building to take control against the experienced three-time champion. Williams, at 50 the oldest finalist in Crucible history, struggled to find form as Zhao quickly seized the momentum with opening breaks of 51 and 77.

 

The match began with Zhao capitalizing on an early miss from Williams, and he followed up with a century in the second frame to assert his authority. Even as Williams showed some resistance by taking the fourth frame before the mid-session interval, Zhao responded with precision. He clinched a close fifth frame and punished Williams' error in the sixth, where a missed red on a break of 61 allowed Zhao to clear up and extend his lead.

 

Having come through the qualifying rounds, Zhao appears unfazed by the grand stage as he aims to become the first Chinese player to win the World Championship and only the third non-UK winner since 1997. His performance has echoes of previous qualifiers like Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy, who triumphed in Sheffield after similar paths. Zhao’s composed demeanor and sharp potting have stood out in a match filled with pressure.

 

To close out a remarkable afternoon, Zhao added his second century and an 83 break, leaving Williams with a steep mountain to climb in the evening session. If Zhao maintains his current form, he is well-positioned to etch his name into snooker history and complete an extraordinary comeback story following a 20-month suspension from the sport.

 

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