Mark Williams has further solidified his legacy in the world of snooker by triumphing in the 2024 Champion of Champions tournament, held Sunday in Bolton, marking yet another significant achievement in an already illustrious career.
The renowned Welshman delivered an impressive display, overcoming the challenge presented by Xiao Guodong with a final score of 10-6 at the packed Toughsheet Community Stadium, which reverberated with excitement throughout the match.
In what marked his inaugural appearance in a Champion of Champions final, Williams kicked things off in spectacular fashion, dominating the early stages by claiming the first five frames before Xiao found his feet.
Xiao, seen by many as a surprise entry in the final, showcased remarkable determination and skill, demonstrating the dazzling form that has catapulted him into the top 16 of the global rankings.
This 35-year-old player hailing from China secured his place in this prestigious tournament by capturing his first ranking title at the Wuhan Open, defeating heavyweights like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, and Mark Allen along the way.
Breaks of 55 and a stunning 101 saw him clinch the last three frames of the afternoon session, and he confidently initiated the evening’s play with another century break, narrowing the deficit to just one frame against his seasoned opponent.
However, Williams, exhibiting the composure and resilience characteristic of champions, immediately countered with a remarkable century break of his own, effectively reasserting control of the match.
A solid run of 62 in the subsequent frame reinstated his three-frame lead. Although Xiao made valiant attempts to chip away at Williams’ advantage, twice reducing the gap to just two frames, his comeback ultimately fell short of fruition.
As the match stood at 8-6 in favor of Williams, he unleashed contributions of remarkable 95 and 67 to seal the victory, alongside collecting the lucrative top prize of £150,000.
As the world number six approaches his 50th birthday in about four months, he continues to defy age, showing little indication that he is approaching the twilight of his illustrious snooker career.
A three-time world champion and former world number one, Williams has secured over two dozen ranking event titles, firmly establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
In 2024 alone, known affectionately as the Welsh Potting Machine, he has enhanced his collection of accolades by adding two more prestigious titles, with this latest win at the Champion of Champions coming on the heels of his success at the Tour Championship back in April.
Williams navigated a challenging path to the finals, first ousting women’s world champion Bai Yulu before overcoming reigning Crucible champion Kyren Wilson and then Neil Robertson.
However, this victory comes just months after a narrow miss at a record-equalling £500,000 payday, having lost in a tightly contested final at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.
Xiao Guodong’s journey to the final may not have concluded in the way he had hoped, yet it was a remarkable week nonetheless, as he made history as the first Chinese player to reach the Champion of Champions final.
The world number 16 has emerged as the most improved player on the circuit this season and is set to approach the upcoming UK Championship in York with confidence, having secured his place as one of the seeded players.
Xiao could very well be a dark horse at the Barbican Centre, while Williams has demonstrated that he still possesses the prowess and ambition to compete for snooker’s top honors.
“I can’t believe it,” Mark Williams reflected, visibly emotional as he stood ready to lift the trophy. “I’m here just about to pick that trophy up and I don’t know how I’m doing it really, but I’m sticking in there.”
“The interval came at the perfect time for me because if it had carried on, he was probably going to run away with it,” he continued, clearly appreciative of the rallying opportunity.
“I’m lost for words really. I’m over the moon,” he concluded, expressing the deep satisfaction that accompanies such a hard-fought victory.
2024 Champion of Champions draw
Group 1
Mark Allen 4-2 Igor Figueiredo
Gary Wilson 2-4 Jak Jones
Group 1 Final
Mark Allen 6-4 Jak Jones
Group 2
Judd Trump 4-0 Ding Junhui
Ali Carter 3-4 Neil Robertson
Group 2 Final
Judd Trump 4-6 Neil Robertson
Group 3
Kyren Wilson 4-1 Luca Brecel
Mark Williams 4-1 Bai Yulu
Group 3 Final
Kyren Wilson 5-6 Mark Williams
Group 4
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-4 Xiao Guodong
Mark Selby 4-2 Shaun Murphy
Group 4 Final
Xiao Guodong 6-5 Mark Selby
Semi-Finals
Mark Allen 3-6 Xiao Guodong
Mark Williams 6-2 Neil Robertson
Final
Xiao Guodong 6-10 Mark Williams
Click here to view the full updated draw
(snooker.org)
Featured photo credit: WST
What strategies did Mark Williams employ to maintain his performance and composure during high-pressure moments in the final match?
**Interview with Snooker Legend Mark Williams Post-2024 Champion of Champions Victory**
**Interviewer:** Mark, congratulations on your remarkable victory at the 2024 Champion of Champions! How does it feel to add this title to your already illustrious career?
**Mark Williams:** Thank you so much! I’m honestly over the moon right now. Winning the Champion of Champions, especially with the caliber of players in the tournament, is a dream come true. It’s hard to believe I’m here lifting the trophy again, but I stuck in there, and it paid off.
**Interviewer:** You started strong, winning the first five frames against Xiao Guodong. What was your mindset during that early dominance?
**Mark Williams:** I was just focused on playing my game and taking it one frame at a time. Getting off to a good start is crucial in such high-stakes matches. I felt confident and was able to capitalize on my chances early on, which really set the tone for the match.
**Interviewer:** Xiao put up a strong fight and narrowed the gap to just one frame at one point. How did you manage to regain control?
**Mark Williams:** Xiao played exceptionally well, especially towards the middle of the match. I could sense that he was gaining momentum. Thankfully, the interval came at the right moment for me. I used that time to regroup and refocus, and when I got back, I was able to break again and reestablish my lead.
**Interviewer:** As you approach your 50th birthday, many might wonder about your plans for the future. What keeps you motivated to compete at such a high level?
**Mark Williams:** Honestly, it’s my love for the game. Every time I step onto the table, the competitive spirit within me ignites. I still feel I can compete with the best, and as long as I’m enjoying it and performing well, I have no plans to step away just yet.
**Interviewer:** This victory comes after a close call at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. How did that experience shape your performance in Bolton?
**Mark Williams:** Losing that final was tough, but it served as motivation. It reminded me that every match counts, and I really want to make these opportunities count. It helped me push through the tougher moments in Bolton.
**Interviewer:** looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the upcoming UK Championship?
**Mark Williams:** It’s always an exciting tournament, and I look forward to competing there. With Xiao’s performance at the Champion of Champions, the field is definitely getting stronger. I’ll prepare well and hope to carry this momentum forward. It’s going to be an exciting season!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for sharing your thoughts, and once again, congratulations on your victory!
**Mark Williams:** Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the game I love.
