Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams rewrote sports history at 50 years and 206 days old, becoming the oldest ranking tournament winner at the Xi'an Grand Prix in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The three-time world champion defeated England's Shaun Murphy 10-3 in the final, securing his 27th career title and breaking Ray Reardon's 43-year-old record.
Williams demonstrated masterful control from the start, building a commanding 7-1 lead in Sunday's opening session. The Monday conclusion saw the veteran player maintain his dominance, closing out the match with characteristic precision. His victory lap included warm acknowledgments to supporters in Xi'an's packed arena.
This triumph marks Williams' first ranking title since April 2024 and propels him to fourth in world rankings, surpassing snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan. The £177,000 prize accompanies his unique distinction as the only player to win ranking titles across five decades – from his teens through his 50s.
The Xi'an Grand Prix result underscores snooker's growing popularity in Asia, with Chinese cities increasingly hosting major tournaments. Williams' career-spanning achievement highlights both individual longevity and the sport's evolving global appeal.
