**Mark Williams Raises a Glass as Zhao Xintong Makes Snooker History**
Veteran Welsh snooker star Mark Williams may have missed out on another Crucible title, but he showcased exemplary sportsmanship and a lighthearted spirit after his defeat in the World Snooker Championship final. Williams, 50, was pictured celebrating with pints of Guinness and shots in the early hours, while also publicly commending his conqueror, Zhao Xintong, who became the tournament’s first-ever Chinese world champion.
The thrilling final at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre ended in an 18-12 victory for Zhao, who now writes his name into the snooker record books. Williams, who has openly battled with an eye condition throughout the tournament, delivered an inspiring run to reach his first final since 2018. Notwithstanding his visual challenges—he has previously admitted to struggling to see the balls, let alone pot them—Williams played with trademark flair and competitive edge.
Following the conclusion of play, Williams took to social media to share his appreciation of the occasion, posting a lively photo alongside the new champion. In one now-viral image, Williams jokingly feigned punching the triumphant Zhao, who stood proudly clutching the World Championship trophy. “Look at this lucky little xxx I bumped into,” Williams quipped in his post, echoing a mood of mutual respect and friendly banter between competitors.
In several messages on X (formerly Twitter), Williams was magnanimous in praise for Zhao’s skills. “Oh well, that was tough. I’ve not got enough cue power to combat tough conditions like Zhou. His cue power is superb. Probably the best potter I’ve ever seen,” Williams wrote shortly before the final session, reflecting on Zhao’s extraordinary game.
The Welshman also made clear how much the support from spectators had meant to him. “Last session in a few hours, the support I have had this last two weeks have been amazing, from the crowd and everyone,” he posted. Williams, known for his affable nature and connection with supporters, urged the Crucible crowd for one more singalong – calling for Tom Jones’ classic “Delilah” to be their final anthem together. “Last session to an amazing tournament, amazing crowd. Let’s blast out and sing out loud to Delilah one last time. ‘I saw the light on night that I passed by her window lalalaaa’.”
Never shy to raise a celebratory toast, Williams later uploaded a photo brandishing two pints of Guinness, concluding, “Thanks for all the support the last 17 days, time for some Guinnesses now.”
As Williams’ focus now shifts away from the table, he faces a significant off-table decision regarding lens replacement surgery. Vision issues have plagued his game in recent times, and though he is scheduled for an operation in June, he has publicly voiced second thoughts. Williams cited advice from former top-10 player Anthony Hamilton, who described his own post-surgery experience as career-altering—in the worst sense. “I have been reading up and talking to people who have had it done and I’ve got to be honest, it is putting me off a bit,” Williams acknowledged. “A couple of people I have spoken to, especially Anthony Hamilton at length, have said it is no good under the lights and it has ruined his career.”
This concern has cast a shadow over Williams’ immediate plans. “I’ve got a big decision to make. It has sort of put me under pressure. After this is finished, it is something I am going to have to look more into.”
For now, however, Mark Williams will take time to reflect on a remarkable tournament that saw him defy physical adversity and reach snooker’s most prestigious final once more. His response—good-natured, appreciative, and thoroughly human—reinforces his status as not only a snooker great, but a widely loved figure in the sport’s modern era.
As Williams contemplates his next move, few can doubt that his character, resilience, and humour remain undimmed, even in the face of defeat.