Mark Williams was trailing 3-1 in the World Snooker Championship final to Zhao Xintong when he faced a pivotal moment after snookering himself, adding a touch of humour to the tense situation

In the 98 years since Joe Davis became snooker’s first world champion, the famous old trophy has left the United Kingdom just five times. To Australia twice, the Republic of Ireland and Canada once, and most recently to Belgium two years ago when Luca Brecel became the first champion from continental Europe.