Wales’ Mark Williams reacts after potting the cue ball by mistake on day two of his World Championship Snooker final against China’s Zhao Xintong during the afternoon session at The Crucible in Sheffield, northern England on May 5, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Crucible qualifier Zhao Xintong dominated Mark Williams in the opening session of the World Snooker Championship final, running up a 7-1 lead. The Chinese, who thrashed Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-final, was in complete control as the three-time champion was unable to find the form that saw him upset Judd Trump on Saturday.