Chinese qualifier Zhao Xintong has surged to a commanding 11-6 lead over Welshman Mark Williams on the first day of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre on Sunday.
Zhao, aiming to become China’s first world champion, built an early 7-1 advantage in the best-of-35-frame contest. Despite a strong comeback by Williams in the second session, winning five out of nine frames, Zhao maintained his firm grip on the match.
Read more: China’s Zhao Crushes Ronnie O’Sullivan, Eyes World Snooker Glory
Williams, the oldest player ever to reach the final at 50, struggled in the opening session and was unable to capitalize on his best break of 61 in the sixth frame. Zhao seized the opportunity, but Williams’ revival keeps his hopes alive for a fourth title.
However, Williams faces a steep challenge to overturn the significant overnight deficit, with no player ever having come back from such a large margin since the World Championship moved to the Crucible in 1977. If Zhao wins, he will receive a prize of £500,000 ($664,000).
