ISLAMABAD: Chinese youngster Zhao Xingtong defeated experienced Mark Williams to become the first Asian and Chinese World Snooker Champion following an intense battle in Sheffield (UK) Monday evening.
Zhao defeated Williams 18-12 in the final to take the title and became the first Asian and Chinese to do so.
He was 17-8 up going into final session when Williams staged a recovery and took the score to 17-12 by winning the next five before Zhao grabbed the winning frame in a best of 35 final to win the title.
He started the event as an amateur, moving from the qualifying round to the main draw and then beating the best to win the crown and half a million pounds as winning purse.