Zhao Xintong leads Mark Williams 11-6 after day one of World Championship final

Zhao Xintong holds a big lead after day one of the final (Mike Egerton/PA)

Crucible qualifier Zhao Xintong took a commanding 11-6 lead over Mark Williams on day one of the World Snooker Championship final, getting the best of the three-time champion on the biggest stage of his career.

Aiming to become the first Chinese player to be crowned world champion, the 28-year-old followed up his semi-final thrashing of Ronnie O’Sullivan with a rampant opening session that left him 7-1 ahead.