Snooker: Williams leads Thailand Masters final

Mark Williams is on the threshold of a lucrative Asian snooker double in Bangkok today as he seized command of the Thailand Masters final.

The 26-year-old Welshman, winner of the China Open in Shanghai last weekend, enjoyed a 6-2 advantage over Stephen Lee after the first session of their best-of-17 frame title clash.

It meant that Williams requires only three more frames on the resumption to collect the €109,000 first prize, the largest winner's cheque for an overseas ranking event, and swell his earnings for the game's fortnight-long Asian swing to €212,000.

He was also in pole position for a victory that will carry him to the top of this season's prize money list with €563,680 and significantly reduce the gap between himself and Ronnie O'Sullivan at the top of the provisional world list.