Mark Williams: Snooker’s Oldest Ranking Tournament Champion

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Mark Williams Achieves Historic Snooker victory in Xi’an, Becomes Oldest Ranking Tournament Winner

Xi’an, China – Mark Williams has etched his name into Snooker history, securing victory at the Xi’an Grand Prix on Monday, October 13th. The Welshman defeated Shaun murphy with a decisive 10-3 scoreline, not only adding another prestigious title to his collection but also attaining the remarkable distinction of being the oldest-ever champion in a ranking tournament.

Williams, at 50 years and 206 days old, surpassed the previous record held by Ray reardon, who was 50 years and 14 days old when he triumphed at the Professional Players Tournament in 1982. This win marks a pivotal moment in the sport, demonstrating longevity and skill at the highest level. The tournament, held from October 7th to 13th, saw a seventh diffrent champion emerge this season on the world Snooker Circuit.

A Resounding Victory for the Veteran

The final against Shaun murphy, the recent British Open champion, was a showcase of Williams’s formidable talent. Murphy,having reached a second final this campaign,was ultimately overpowered by Williams’s consistent and commanding performance. williams dominated the match, establishing a notable lead and maintaining control throughout.

This victory represents Williams’s 27th ranking tournament title, surpassing Neil Robertson’s 26 and placing him behind only the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan (41 titles), Stephen Hendry (36), john Higgins (33), Judd Trump (30), and Steve Davis (28). He became the first player to win professional titles in his twenties, thirties, forties and fifties.

Road to the Championship

Williams’s path to the championship included victories over Scott Donaldson (by forfeit), Zhou Yuelong (5-2), Barry Hawkins (5-4), Lyu Haotian (5-4), and Daniel Wells (6-3). despite announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming northern Ireland Open due to fatigue,Williams displayed exceptional resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

Murphy also showcased strong play throughout the contest, with wins over long Zehuang (5-0), Wu Yize (5-4), Kyren Wilson (5-0), Ding Junhui (5-3) and gary Wilson (6-4). However, he was unable to withstand Williams’s formidable form in the final.

Spectacular Breaks and Tournament Highlights

The Xi’an Grand Prix was marked by impressive performances and memorable moments.Notably, three maximum breaks of 147 were recorded during the tournament-by Zhou Yuelong, Judd Trump, and Aaron Hill-adding to the excitement and prestige of the event.

Other notable results included early exits for Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Zhao Xintong, and Mark Allen, as well as Neil Robertson’s second-round defeat.

Here’s a quick look at the 2025-2026 season champions so far:

Tournament	Champion
Championship league	Stephen Maguire
Shanghai Masters	Kyren Wilson
Saudi Arabia Masters	Neil Robertson
Open Wuhan	Xiao Guodong
English Open	Mark Allen
British Open	Shaun Murphy
Xi’an Grand Prix	Mark Williams

Did You Know? Mark Williams is the first snooker player to win a ranking title in five different decades-his 20s, 30s, 40s, and now his 50s.

The Enduring Appeal of Snooker

Snooker continues to captivate audiences worldwide with

What factors contributed too Mark Williams becoming the oldest ranking tournament champion in snooker history?

A Historic Victory at the 2024 British Open

On October 7th, 2024, Mark Williams etched his name further into snooker history by winning the British Open, becoming the oldest player ever to claim a ranking tournament title.At 49 years and 336 days old, Williams surpassed Ray reardon’s previous record, set in 1982. This victory wasn’t just a testament to his enduring skill, but also a captivating story of resilience and adaptation in the face of a rapidly evolving sport. The win secured Williams his 25th ranking title, solidifying his legendary status within the world of professional snooker.

The Road to British Open Glory: Key Matches & Performances

Williams’ journey to the 2024 British Open title was far from straightforward. He navigated a challenging draw, showcasing his tactical prowess and break-building ability at every stage.

* Round 1: A agreeable 4-1 victory over amateur player, Liam davies.

* Round 2: A hard-fought 4-3 win against Luca Brecel, demonstrating his composure under pressure. This match was particularly notable for a stunning 140 break from Williams.

* Quarter-Final: A dominant 4-2 performance against Jack Lisowski, highlighting his tactical game.

* Semi-Final: A thrilling 4-3 victory over Judd trump, a match widely considered a classic, showcasing Williams’ ability to perform when it matters most.

* Final: A decisive 4-1 win against Gary Wilson, sealing his historic triumph.

Throughout the tournament, Williams consistently demonstrated his extraordinary safety play, a hallmark of his game, and capitalized on his opponent’s errors with clinical finishing.His break-building was also notable, with several important contributions throughout the event.

Williams’ Career: A Timeline of snooker Success

Mark Williams’ career has spanned decades, marked by consistent success and a reputation as one of the most naturally gifted players in the game.

* Early Career (1990s): Williams turned professional in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks,known for his fast,attacking style.

* First World Championship (2000): He won his first World Championship title in 2000, defeating Ken Doherty in the final.

* Continued Success (2000s): Williams continued to win major titles throughout the 2000s, including the Masters and the UK championship.

* Second World Championship (2018): A remarkable comeback saw him win his second World Championship in 2018, defeating John Higgins in a thrilling final.This victory cemented his status as a snooker legend.

* British Open Triumph (2024): The historic win at the 2024 British Open, becoming the oldest ranking champion.

The “Welsh Potting Machine”: Style of Play & Strengths

Nicknamed the “Welsh Potting Machine,” Mark Williams is renowned for his exceptional potting ability, particularly his skill at long pots. His style of play is characterized by:

* Fast Break-Building: Williams is known for his rapid break-building, often compiling high scores quickly.

* Exceptional Safety Play: A master of safety, he consistently leaves his opponents with difficult shots.

* Natural Talent: Possesses an innate ability to pot balls, often making seemingly unfeasible shots.

* Composure Under Pressure: Remains calm and focused even in the most high-pressure situations.

* Adaptability: Has shown the ability to adapt his game over the years,remaining competitive in a changing sport.

Longevity in Snooker: How Williams Has Stayed Competitive

Maintaining peak performance in a physically and mentally demanding sport like snooker for over three decades is a remarkable achievement. Williams attributes his longevity to several factors:

* Physical Fitness: Maintaining a good level of physical fitness, including regular exercise and a healthy diet.

* Mental Strength: Possessing a strong mental game, allowing him to cope with pressure and setbacks.

* Love of the Game: A genuine passion for snooker, which motivates him to continue competing at the highest level.

* Strategic Adaptations: Adjusting his game to counter the evolving tactics of younger players. He’s become more adept at tactical play and safety, complementing his natural potting ability.

* Reduced Tournament Schedule: Strategically selecting tournaments to manage fatigue and maintain freshness.

The Impact of Williams’ Victory on the Snooker Landscape

Williams’ British Open win has had a significant impact on the snooker world. It:

* Inspires Older players: Demonstrates that age is no barrier to success in snooker,inspiring older players to continue pursuing their dreams.

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