Mark Williams, the talented Welsh snooker player, has expressed his relief and gratitude for the interval during the dramatic final of the 2024 Champion of Champions tournament where he faced the formidable Xiao Guodong. The final, held in Bolton, showcased a thrilling contest that saw Williams race ahead, only to be challenged as Xiao mounted a remarkable comeback in the latter part of the afternoon session.
Initially, Williams established a commanding lead, securing five frames in a row and holding a high score of 55-0 in the sixth frame. However, Xiao demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, rallying to reduce the deficit to just a frame at 5-4 by the end of the afternoon session. This comeback highlighted Xiao’s potential, as he struck back with focus and determination. The turning point, as described by Williams, was indeed the break that came after this intense spell of play. He suggested that had the game continued uninterrupted, the outcome might have been markedly different.
In an interview with ITV, Williams candidly reflected on his performance, stating, “I can’t believe it, I don’t know how I am doing it really, but I am sticking in there.” Acknowledging Xiao’s form throughout the tournament, he recognized the danger posed by his opponent even when he held a significant lead. Despite doing little wrong, Williams found himself under pressure as Xiao began to find his rhythm.
As the match proceeded, Williams showcased his skills right from the start. He scored a notable break of 65 in the first frame, which set the tone for his performance. Williams capitalized on a misstep from Xiao, maneuvering expertly to secure a two-frame lead. His precision continued as he swept through the third frame, narrowly missing a century with a break of 91, which extended his lead to 3-0. Xiao appeared to struggle with his form, particularly in the fourth frame, where a critical error allowed Williams to take the advantage and extend his lead further.
It was only in the sixth frame that Xiao managed to score, overcoming a significant 55-0 deficit to earn his first frame, igniting what seemed to be a shift in momentum. This resurgence was marked by two consecutive century breaks from Xiao, bringing him to within a frame as the afternoon session drew to a close. The sharp contrast in performance after the break was palpable, with both players locked in a competitive mindset.
As the evening session began, Williams was quick to reassert his dominance with a robust break of 104, expanding his lead to 6-4. He maintained this momentum with a break of 62 shortly thereafter. Even though Xiao managed to win the 12th frame with a respectable break of 68, Williams responded by building another significant lead through a break of 80, leading the match to an 8-5 scoreline.
The match’s energy fluctuated, with each player exchanging frames and moments of brilliance. Xiao demonstrated grit by taking the 14th frame, which kept the contest alive and competitive. However, as tension mounted, it seemed Williams had one hand on the trophy when he sealed the following frame with a break of 95. Xiao, perhaps feeling the pressure, began to make errors that his opponent expertly capitalized on.
In conclusion, Mark Williams claimed victory with a final score of 10-6 after securing a break of 67 in the last frame. This triumph marked his first victory in the Champion of Champions tournament, setting a promising stage for his upcoming participation in the prestigious UK Championship, the season’s first Triple Crown event. For fans and snooker enthusiasts, the match embodied the excitement and unpredictability that snooker often delivers. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Williams as he continues to showcase his remarkable talent on the green baize.
