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‘Never change' say fans as Mark Williams spotted ‘punching' Zhao Xintong after losing World Snooker Championship final

‘Never change' say fans as Mark Williams spotted ‘punching' Zhao Xintong after losing World Snooker Championship final

The Sun06-05-2025

MARK WILLIAMS has been urged to "never change" after fans saw his cheeky post-World Snooker Championship final snap with Zhao Xintong.
The Welsh wizard lost the final of the Crucible tournament on Monday night to Zhao, who made history by becoming China 's first snooker world champion.
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But Williams was in a somewhat jovial mood after missing out on the trophy, posing for a snap with his conqueror after the match.
And he jokingly pretended to punch the Chinese 'Cyclone', raising his fist to his face as they posed for a snap.
Snooker fans loved the sportsmanship from Williams, with one saying: "Mark taking it well.
Another said: "Love this. Mark Williams is a class act. And Zhao, what a champion."
And another said: "Great character, always liked Willo."
One remarked: "You just can't not love Mark. What a fella."
Fan favourite Williams, 50, said of his Crucible run: "I think it's been a brilliant tournament for me.
'The support I have had from the crowd over the last two weeks have been unbelievable.
'What a potter he is over there, I'm glad I will be too old when he;s dominating the game.
BBC World Snooker Championship commentator brutally shut down live on air by Shaun Murphy in 'very awkward' exchange
'I have nothing but admiration for what he has done, having come through the qualifiers.
'He hasn't played for two years, bashed Ronnie up, bashed me up, bashed everybody up.
'There's a new superstar of the game and here's over there.
'Let's see where I am in the ranking at 60. I am still playing quite good stuff. Even though it's a bit blurry.
"What I can say, the night belongs to him and congratulations.
'It was unbelievable, the reception I have had all week, but tonight it was special.
"Everybody was on their feet and it was like a tear to the eye.'
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