‘Never change' say fans as Mark Williams spotted ‘punching' Zhao Xintong after losing World Snooker Championship final
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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Mark Williams lost the World Snooker Championship final to Zhao Xintong on Monday
Credit: REX
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The Welshman was in a jovial mode after the match and pretended to punch Zhao in te face as they posed for a post-game photo
Credit: X@VICS_SNOOKER
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."
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And another said: "Great character, always liked Willo."
One remarked: "You just can't not love Mark. What a fella."
Another chimed in: "With a laughing emoji: Never change, Willo!!"
Fan favourite Williams, 50, said of his Crucible run: "I think it's been a brilliant tournament for me.
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'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.
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'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.
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'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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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock (15285634f) Zhao Xintong celebrates with the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the final between Zhao Xintong of China and Mark Williams of Wales at World Snooker Championship 2025 in Sheffield, Britain, May 5, 2025. Britain Sheffield Snooker World Championship Final – 06 May 2025
Credit: Rex
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