Mark Williams Claims First Champion of Champions Title

Mark Williams registered the highest break of the tournament, a 140 against Kyren Wilson. Williams then secured his inaugural Champion of Champions title, fending off a resurgence from Xiao Guodong to achieve a 10-6 victory in the final held in Bolton. The 49-year-old Welshman, Williams, initially established a commanding 5-0 lead. However, China’s Xiao responded by winning four consecutive frames, which included two century breaks. Following the interval, Williams, a three-time world champion, compiled breaks of 104, 62, 80, 95, and 67, ultimately sealing his win. During this period, Xiao was only able to secure the 12th and 14th frames. Speaking to ITV, Williams expressed his disbelief: “I can’t believe it. I’m stood here just about to pick that trophy up and I don’t know how I’m doing it really, but I’m sticking in there.” He further commented on the timing of the break, stating, “The interval came at the perfect time for me because if it carried on, he was probably going to run away with it.” Williams concluded, “I’m lost for words really. I’m over the moon.” Despite the defeat, the 35-year-old Xiao is experiencing his most successful professional campaign to date. His path to the final included victories over Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, and the 2023 champion, Mark Allen.