Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre buzzed with tension on May 4, 2025, as Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old Chinese snooker prodigy, seized a commanding lead over three-time champion Mark Williams in the opening session of the World Snooker Championship final. The match, a best-of-35-frame showdown, saw Zhao blaze through the first eight frames with a relentless 7-1 advantage, leaving the Welsh veteran scrambling to find his footing.
Zhao, competing in his first world final, wasted no time asserting dominance. He opened with a clinical break of 77, followed by a century break of 100, and didn’t let up. By the fourth frame, he was 3-0 up, his cue action smooth as silk, potting balls with a precision that silenced the crowd. Williams, 49, managed a single frame to avoid a complete rout, but Zhao responded with another century—104—and further breaks of 57 and 83. The session ended with Zhao’s lead looking near insurmountable, a statement of intent from a player ranked 26th in the world but playing like a seasoned titan.
Williams, who last lifted the title in 2018, appeared rattled. The Welshman, known for his laid-back demeanor and razor-sharp potting, struggled to match Zhao’s pace. His lone frame came as a brief respite, but the gap widened as Zhao’s confidence grew. The Crucible, a venue where Williams has carved out a storied legacy, felt like hostile territory under the Chinese star’s onslaught.
The final, which began on May 4 and continues into May 5, marks a historic moment. Zhao, already a standout after winning the 2021 UK Championship, is on the cusp of becoming the first Chinese player to claim snooker’s biggest prize. His path to the final included a 13-10 upset over top seed Luca Brecel, showcasing the flair that has drawn comparisons to a young Ronnie O’Sullivan. Williams, meanwhile, earned his spot with a gritty 13-8 win over Stephen Maguire, leaning on experience to navigate a tough draw.
Broadcast live across BBC One Wales and Eurosport, the match drew millions of viewers, with fans packing Sheffield’s iconic venue. The championship, running from April 19 to May 5, has seen its share of drama, but Zhao’s performance stole the spotlight. His aggressive style—long pots, daring safety play, and fearless breaks—has redefined the final’s narrative.
As play resumes on May 5, Williams faces a steep climb. The veteran, who won his first world title in 2000, is no stranger to comebacks, but Zhao’s form suggests a new era might be dawning. The final session will determine whether experience triumphs or youth redefines snooker’s hierarchy.
The score after the first session stands at Zhao Xintong 7, Mark Williams 1. The match resumes at 1:00 PM on May 5 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.