Snooker scores LIVE: Mark Williams sets new record as Judd Trump hits back at critics
Mark Williams will take on Zhao Xintong in the final of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield today, with both players on the verge of their own history. Williams, 50, is bidding to become the oldest Crucible champion in history. The three-time winner was at his magnificent best in the semi-finals, hitting four centuries to upset world No. 1 Judd Trump and win 16-14.
He will now face Zhao, 28, who was majestic in his semi-final to hammer Ronnie O'Sullivan 17-7. The Chinese star, who only returned to the sport last September after a 20-month ban for his part in a match-fixing probe, is aiming to become the first player from his nation to ever triumph in this tournament. The final is a best-of-35-frames match that starts at 1pm today. Barring an extremely one-sided affair, it will finish tomorrow (Monday, May 5).
Express Sport will brings you live score updates and other breaking snooker news below...
Ronnie O'Sullivan believes Zhao Xintong and others were harshly treated by the authorities after being suspended for 20 months for his role in a match fixing probe.
"Yeah, I think it was unfortunate for some of the boys," he said, as the Chinese star prepares for today's World Championship final. "I think they wasn’t really involved in it from what I gather. So some of them, you just think, it was really harsh for them.
"There’s some there that obviously were at it. And I think for some of them, it was a bit unfair. I don’t know the full facts of it, to be honest with you. But from what I heard, was just caught in the firing line and a bit naive, I suppose."
Despite the threat of moving the tournament away from Sheffield, the prize money has remained the same this year.
Either Mark Williams or Zhao Xintong will win the top prize of £500,000, with the runner-up claiming the consolation prize of £200,000.
Overall, £2.39million will be handed out to this year's players at the Crucible.
The first session of the World Snooker Championship final will begin at 1pm today, Sunday, May 4.
After eight frames, there will be a break in play before the match resumes at 7pm tonight. Players will reconvene on Monday, when the same 1pm and 7pm timings will apply, and the match will continue on Monday night until a winner is found.
Every session will be shown live on BBC iPlayer. TNT Sports broadcasts are also available on discovery+.
Judd Trump refused to agree with critics who argued he should be disappointed after again missing out on becoming a two-time world champion.
After his defeat, Trump said: "Not really disappointed. I tried my best. I just didn’t quite play as well as I did in the first few games."
Mark Williams has admitted to being in shock at becoming the oldest ever player to reach the final of the World Snooker Championship.
The previous oldest was another Welshman, Ray Reardon, who was 49 when he lost the 1982 final to Alex Higgins.
"I shouldn't really be competing with the number one player in the world over three days in a first-to-17, but somehow I'm plodding along for us oldies," said Williams.
"I can't believe I'm in another final. I don't know how I'm doing to be honest."
Well, today is the day.
We've reached the final of the 2025 World Snooker Championships with two players on the brink of history.
Will Mark Williams become the oldest ever player to become world champion? Will Zhao Xintong become China's first-ever winner at the Crucible?
Grab a coffee, relax, and enjoy our live coverage throughout the day.
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