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

Mark Williams has once again proven that age is just a number as he produced a vintage performance to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-5 in the final of the Tour Championship in Manchester. The 49-year-old Welshman, who had trailed 5-3, compiled two century breaks and three half-centuries as he reeled off seven consecutive frames to secure his 26th ranking title of his career in front of a capacity crowd.

“I never thought I’d be winning tournaments at 49,” Williams said after his impressive victory. “The World Championships are around the corner. He’s the man to beat, but you never know. I’ll try my best.”

Williams had come into the contest with a poor record against O’Sullivan, having lost 22 of their previous 24 meetings. However, he managed to triumph against all of the world’s top three players on his way to his second ranking title of the season.

While O’Sullivan was unable to add another title to his remarkable season, the seven-time world champion is set to head to the Crucible for the World Championship as the world number one, enjoying an unbroken spell of 734 days at the top of the rankings.

In the final, Williams made a strong start with three half-centuries to lead 3-1, but O’Sullivan fought back with impressive breaks to go 5-3 ahead. However, Williams responded magnificently in the evening session, producing an array of stunning pots to secure the victory.

With this win, Williams has once again proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of snooker, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his performance at the upcoming World Championship.