Mark Williams beats Ronnie O’Sullivan to win Tour Championship in Manchester

Mark Williams produced a stunning comeback to defeat Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-5 in the final of the Tour Championship in Manchester, securing his 26th ranking title in the process. The Welshman, aged 49, showed his class by compiling two century breaks and three half-centuries as he reeled off seven consecutive frames to clinch victory in front of a capacity crowd.

Despite trailing 5-3 earlier in the match, Williams never lost his composure and managed to put pressure on O’Sullivan, who seemed to struggle towards the end of the contest. Reflecting on his unexpected win, Williams expressed his disbelief at still winning tournaments at his age, highlighting the unpredictability of the sport.

The victory marked Williams’ second ranking title of the season, following his success at the British Open in October, and his first triumph in the Tour Championship. The veteran player had previously struggled against O’Sullivan, losing 22 out of their 24 previous meetings, but he managed to overcome the odds and secure a memorable win.

O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, was unable to add another title to his remarkable season, but he remains the world number one heading into the upcoming World Championship. Williams, on the other hand, will be looking to carry his momentum into the prestigious event, aiming to challenge the top players in the world once again.

With his impressive performance in Manchester, Williams has proven that age is just a number in the world of snooker, and he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the upcoming tournaments. Fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected results as the season progresses.