Mark Williams: Champion of Champions 2024

World number six, Mark Williams, beat Xiao Guodong 10-6 to take his first tournament win this year.

At the age of 49, ‘The Welsh Potting Machine’ was a deserving winner, with a 71% successful pot rate to Xiao’s 62%.

The match on Sunday was full of drama, with momentum swinging both ways. Williams started on fire winning the first five frames, before Xiao won the next four, to almost even it up.

Whilst Williams was the standout performer, Xiao had his moments too, completing two-century breaks to William’s one.

Before reaching the final, Williams had to get the better of Yulu Bai, reigning world champion Kyren Wilson, and Neil Robertson.

Xiao also had a tough draw and can be proud of his efforts, seeing off skilful opponents in Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, and Mark Allen, and producing some very impressive performances throughout.

Ultimately, the experience of Williams saw him edge out his opponent, to be crowned Champion of Champions for the very first time. Even Williams himself is blown away that he is still winning major tournaments at this stage of his career.

Both players will be back in action in the first triple crown event of the 2024/25 season, the UK Championship, which runs from 23rd November to 1st December in York, at the York Barbican.

With so many big names in attendance, this is one not to miss.