Zhao Xintong withstands Williams comeback to be crowned China's first snooker world champion

Zhao Xintong was crowned China’s first world snooker champion. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA

Zhao Xintong was crowned China's first world snooker champion after withstanding a stirring comeback from Mark Williams to complete an 18-12 win at the Crucible.

Resuming the final session one frame short of victory, Zhao was forced to wait for his history-making moment as the Welsh veteran reeled off four in a row to stretch the match beyond a mid-session interval.