Zhao Xintong made history as he became the first player from China to win the World Championship with an 18-12 victory over Mark Williams in Sheffield.
The 28-year-old had extended his 11-6 overnight lead with a dominant display on Monday afternoon to begin the concluding session 17-8 ahead.
Willed on by a buoyant Crucible crowd, three-time winner Williams compiled wonderful breaks of 101, 96 and 73 on his way to collecting the first four frames of the evening.
And 40 years on from the iconic black-ball final when Dennis Taylor came from 8-0 and 9-1 down to defeat Steve Davis, it briefly raised hopes of another astonishing revival.
However, the Welshman, who has already achieved a notable landmark by becoming the Crucible’s oldest ever finalist, six weeks after turning 50, was ultimately only able to delay the inevitable.
Having largely been consigned to his seat, Zhao – whose journey to becoming champion remarkably began 29 days ago and included him having to win four qualifying matches and 111 frames in total – wrapped up a famous success with a run of 87.
It was no more than his scintillating form over the 17-day event deserved.
Along with the £500,000 top prize, he will climb to 11th in the world rankings when he returns to the main professional tour next season.
More to follow.
