World Snooker Championship 2025: Mark Williams Recalls First Encounter with Zhao Xintong Ahead of Crucible Final

Mark Williams rolled back the years to book his place in a remarkable fifth World Championship final, defeating world number one Judd Trump 17-14 at the Crucible. At 50 years old, he becomes the oldest finalist in history — overtaking the late Welshman Ray Reardon, who was 49 years and 7 months when he made the 1982 final.

Williams was made to work hard for it over the three-day semi-final clash, with Trump initially racing into a 7-3 lead. But the three-time world champion responded brilliantly in the second session, clawing his way back to 8-8.

From there, he took charge. Williams went 13-11 up heading into the final session and came out firing, taking three of the first four frames to move within one of victory. Trump, to his credit, showed signs of resistance — reeling off two quick frames, including his 14th century of the tournament. But Williams had the final say, sealing it in style with a 123 break.

Zhao was just a toddler when Williams won his first world title

To put Williams’ longevity into perspective, the Welshman lifted his first world title back in 2000 — when his final opponent Zhao Xintong was just three years old.

The Chinese star produced a devastating performance of his own in the semi-finals, breezing past seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan with a session to spare. That result marked Zhao’s 46th win in 48 matches since returning from his 20-month suspension for betting breaches.

While he wasn’t found guilty of match-fixing, Zhao was one of ten Chinese players suspended during snooker’s biggest-ever corruption scandal in 2023. He returned to the sport through the Q Tour and was handed a World Championship qualifying spot by the WPBSA.

“We all know he’s not an amateur” – Williams on Zhao

Despite technically being classified as an amateur, few have underestimated Zhao’s quality — least of all Williams, who recalled their first-ever meeting.

“I know he’s an amateur, but we all know he’s not an amateur.”

“I played him in an exhibition, I think he was only about 12. There’s a picture on my Twitter [X] somewhere. It [in front of] about 500 people live, probably two, three hundred million people watching. It was one-all and he knocked in a 130-something and beat me 3-1 the little shit.”

“And here we are. 16 or 17 years later and I’m playing him in the final. It’s unbelievable.”

Bookmakers wrote him off — but Williams never doubted himself

Despite his decorated career, Williams wasn’t among the fancied names this year. William Hill listed him at 33/1 before the tournament — joint 12th favourite — with some punters managing to get even longer odds.

“I think I get written off by most people really. I know every time I come to this event, a few of my mates have actually backed me. I think they got me at 60s at one stage,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

Zhao, by contrast, was priced at 18/1 despite needing to come through four qualifying matches to reach the main draw.

Who’s the favourite for the final? Williams has his say

When asked if his greater experience gives him the edge over Zhao, Williams was quick to play it down.

“I think the bookies will have him favourite.”

“Look I’m just happy to be in the final. Whoever I play does it really matter? If I win, I get four world titles, what an achievement. But if I lose, I can’t grumble at what I’m doing at my age.”

“How long I’ve been playing and to still compete and just to be here to try and win a fourth world title, being only match away. I can’t say anything else really.”

Fatigue factor: Zhao’s day off vs. Williams’ marathon

With Zhao wrapping up his semi-final on Friday evening, he had over 24 hours of rest before the final began on Sunday afternoon. Williams, by contrast, was still slugging it out late into Saturday night — a factor that could play a crucial role over a best-of-35-frame final.

“Every match has been a tough one for me. Obviously, fatigue has to play a part of it, even without my age.”

“It has to take a toll, but I’ve just gotta get on with it. I know I’m gonna struggle in a couple of session, but I’ve just gotta try and nick the close frames and stick in there.”