China’s Zhao Xintong surged to an 11-6 lead over Wales’ Mark Williams on the first day of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, United Kingdom.
The 28-year-old Zhao, aiming to become China’s first-ever world snooker champion, dominated the early stages of the best-of-35-frame match, racing ahead with a commanding 7-1 advantage. His sharp precision and confident play left the seasoned Williams struggling to find his rhythm.
Williams, 50, the oldest player ever to reach the final, showed signs of a comeback in the second session. The three-time world champion fought back, winning five of the nine frames to keep his hopes of a fourth title alive. Despite his efforts, overturning such a deficit is a monumental task; no player has ever come back from so far behind overnight since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.
Zhao’s performance has electrified fans, showcasing a new era of talent in the sport. As the final day approaches, the question remains: Can Zhao maintain his momentum and make history for China, or will the veteran Williams stage an incredible comeback? The world will be watching as these two snooker stars battle it out for the ultimate prize.
