Snooker China s Zhao takes big lead over Williams in world championship final

SHEFFIELD, England - Chinese qualifier Zhao Xintong took an imposing 11-6 lead over Welshman Mark Williams on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre on Sunday.

Zhao, who is hoping to become Chinas first world champion, raced to an early 7-1 advantage in the best-of-35-frame contest but Williams staged a mini revival in the second session to keep alive his hopes of a fourth title.

Williams, the oldest player ever to reach the final at the age of 50, was not at his best in the opening session and he failed to convert his best break of 61 in the sixth frame.

His 28-year-old opponent took full advantage but Williams hit back in the second session by winning five of the nine frames.

Williams still faces a huge task to deny Zhao the title on Monday with no player having overcome such a large overnight deficit since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.

Zhao, who was banned for 20 months in January 2023 after amatch-fixing investigation that rocked the sport, will bank a cheque for 500,000 pounds ($664,000.00) if he wins. REUTERS

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