Overview

• Zhao Xintong holds an 11–7 lead over Mark Williams after two sessions in the best-of-35 final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
• The 28-year-old Zhao could become the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship, highlighting the growing prominence of Chinese players in the sport.
• Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, is fighting for his fourth title, 25 years after his first victory in 2000.
• Zhao’s journey to the final follows a 20-month suspension for match-fixing, with his return marked by dominant performances, including a 17–7 semi-final win over Ronnie O’Sullivan.
• The final has drawn massive interest in China, with up to 150 million viewers expected to tune in, reflecting the nation’s increasing influence in the snooker world.