Mark Williams has compared new world champion Zhao Xintong's potting skills to those of a young Ronnie O'Sullivan after the Chinese star won the World Snooker Championship on Monday.
The 28-year-old has made history by becoming China's first world snooker champion after defeating Williams 18-12 at the Crucible.
"He is as good to watch as O'Sullivan was when he was younger. He just strolls around the table and pots balls from anywhere as if he doesn't have a care in the world," Williams said.
"It's great for our sport to have someone at the top who is so attacking and so young."
Zhao Xintong has been compared to Ronnie O'Sullivan after winning the World Snooker Championship on Monday
PA
Zhao followed in the footsteps of Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy to become just the third qualifier to lift the prestigious trophy.
His victory marks a watershed moment for Chinese snooker, establishing him as a national hero in his homeland.
Zhao's triumph comes after a remarkable comeback story, having lost his tour card in January 2023 due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
The 20-month absence from competition makes his achievement even more extraordinary.
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ZHAO XINTONG IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! 🏆#HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/z8xyRzHHZ2
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 5, 2025
"I can't believe I could become world champion in such a short time [after the ban] so I am so proud of myself," Zhao told BBC Sport.
Zhao narrowly missed becoming the first player to lift the title in an afternoon session since Stephen Hendry's dominant victory over Jimmy White in 1993.
He was, however, able to get the job done at night.
Williams, who had been considering lens replacement surgery, saw his surprise run to a fifth Crucible final ultimately fall short.
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Despite his victory, Zhao showed humility by praising his opponent after the match.
"Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best," he said.
"It is very good for Chinese snooker and I am very happy I have done this for them."
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Williams reflected on his own tournament performance with characteristic candour.
"I played well all tournament but unfortunately I was never in the final from the first few frames," he said.
"Some of the balls Zhao potted were unbelievable. I used to feel like that at 27 or 28."
Mark Williams was unable to cope with Zhao Xintong at the World Snooker Championship on Monday
PAThe Welshman was clearly impressed by Zhao's resilience after his ban.
"To do what he's done, having been out for 20 months then come back and won every game, come here and bashed everyone up in a major tournament, is unbelievable," Williams added.
Zhao has now won £500,000 in prize money as a result of his triumph.
