Mark Williams wins first Champion of Champions title by beating Xiao Guodong
In the final in Bolton, Mark Williams withstood Xiao Guodong’s counterattack, defeated Xiao Guodong 10-6, and won his first championship title.
The 49-year-old Welshman Williams once led 5-0, and then Chinese player Xiao won four consecutive games, including two single-stroke centuries.
After the intermission, three-time world champion Williams scored 104 points, 62 points, 80 points, 95 points and 67 points to seal the victory. Xiao Zhan only won the 12th and 14th games.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Williams told ITV. “I’m standing here about to pick up the trophy and I don’t know how I did it, but I’m going to keep at it.
“This hiatus was perfect timing for me because if it continued he might run away with it.
“I’m really speechless. I’m ecstatic.”
Despite the defeat, Shaw, 35, is enjoying his best season as a professional and has beaten Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and 2023 champion Mark Allen to reach the final.
