Mark Williams lost a historic World Snooker Championship final 18-12 to Zhao Xintong, who became the first Chinese player to win the tournament.

The 28-year-old extended his 11-6 overnight lead, winning six frames in a row to put him on the brink of victory, before Williams rallied to win two before the afternoon interval.

At 17-8, the 50-year-old Welshman needed a miracle. Williams came out firing on Monday evening, winning four frames with breaks of 101, 96, and 73 the highlights.

Williams who had made history by becoming the oldest player to reach the Crucible final, was unable to stave off the inevitable forever, with Zhao romping home in the final frame to claim the title.

A mountain to climb

Williams lost the two Sunday afternoon sessions by an aggregate score of 13-3 – a margin that proved too wide in a match which is sure to be viewed as a changing-of-the-guard moment.

“Unfortunately I was just never in the final from day one. I was behind from the start and could not get into it,” said Williams.

“I said that if I could get out of the first session at 5-3 down it would have been a result, but I was 7-1 down and it was a bit far for me to get back.

“I’ve got nothing but admiration for what he’s done, coming through the qualifiers. He hasn’t played for two years, bashed everybody up. There’s a new superstar of the game.”

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