Mark Williams has etched his name into snooker history once again after winning the Xi’an Grand Prix to become the oldest player ever to lift a ranking title.
The 50-year-old Welshman produced a masterclass to defeat Shaun Murphy 10–3 in the final, capping off one of the most dominant performances of his glittering career.
Williams took control from the very first frame, combining his trademark calm with ruthless precision to race into a 7–1 lead in the opening session.
Breaks of 75 and 72 set the tone before he delivered a century in the first frame of the afternoon to edge within touching distance of victory.
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By the time he cleared up in the 13th frame with a composed break of 61, there was little doubt that history was about to be made.
Williams’ triumph is his 27th career ranking title, moving him to within one of Steve Davis, and extends his remarkable record of winning tournaments in five consecutive decades — his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and now 50s.
At 50 years and 206 days, Williams surpasses Ray Reardon’s long-standing record as the oldest player to win a ranking event.
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Mark Williams was imperious as he destroyed Shaun Murphy to win the Xi’an Grand Prix
|GETTY
Reardon was 50 years and 14 days when he captured the Professional Players Tournament in 1982, but Williams has now eclipsed that mark by almost seven months.
“This one feels special,” Williams said after sealing the £177,000 top prize.
“It’s not easy keeping up with the young lads these days, but I’m still enjoying the game and still competing. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
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At 50, Mark Williams has become snooker's oldest ranking event winner after victory over Shaun Murphy at the Xi'an Grand Prix 🏆 pic.twitter.com/S6vhmCqXU9
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) October 13, 2025
The result also ended Murphy’s impressive 13-match winning streak.
The Englishman arrived in China on a high after triumphing at the British Open and producing a series of inspired performances to reach the final, beating Judd Trump and Mark Selby along the way.
But Williams, a three-time world champion, was simply too clinical and composed under pressure.
Murphy, who collected £76,000 as runner-up, admitted he was second-best throughout.
“Mark was just phenomenal,” he said. “I didn’t do much wrong, but he was relentless. If you leave him half a chance, you don’t get back to the table.”
Williams’ victory also has major implications for the world rankings.
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Shaun Murphy was powerless to prevent his crushing defeat to Mark Williams on Monday
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The win propels him above Ronnie O’Sullivan into fourth place, underlining the remarkable longevity of a player who first turned professional more than three decades ago.
Having first lifted a ranking trophy in 1996, Williams’ ability to adapt his game and maintain consistency in an era dominated by younger, faster cueists is a testament to his natural talent and competitive drive.
He also struck two centuries in the final — a reminder that, even at 50, his scoring power remains undiminished.
Whether he can add more titles to his collection is something only time will tell.