In a remarkable display of skill and longevity, Mark Williams has cemented his place in snooker history by becoming the oldest ranking event winner in 32 years. The Welsh potting maestro, affectionately known as 'The Welsh Potting Machine', claimed a stunning 10-5 victory over Shaun Murphy in the Xian Grand Prix final.
A Historic Achievement
At 49 years and 67 days, Williams has surpassed the legendary Doug Mountjoy's record, who previously held the distinction as the oldest ranking winner at 46 years and 172 days when he triumphed at the 1989 Mercantile Credit Classic. This monumental victory marks Williams' 26th career ranking title, placing him fourth on the all-time list behind only Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, and John Higgins.
Dominant Performance Against Murphy
The three-time world champion displayed vintage form throughout the final, building commanding leads of 7-2 after the first session and maintaining his dominance in the evening session. Despite Murphy's valiant efforts to mount a comeback, Williams' precision and experience proved insurmountable.
'I never thought I'd still be winning tournaments at 49,' an emotional Williams confessed after his triumph. 'To be the oldest winner since Doug Mountjoy is something special. I'm just enjoying my snooker and playing with freedom.'
Career Resurgence for Welsh Legend
This victory represents another chapter in Williams' remarkable career resurgence. The Welshman continues to compete at the highest level, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success in professional snooker. His achievement is particularly significant in an era dominated by younger players.
Murphy, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Williams' exceptional performance: 'Mark was simply superb today. He's showing all of us that class is permanent, and he's set a new standard for what's possible in our sport later in career.'
What This Means for Snooker
Williams' historic win sends a powerful message to the snooker world about longevity and sustained excellence. His achievement proves that experience and skill can triumph over youth, inspiring players of all generations to continue pursuing greatness regardless of age.
The Xian Grand Prix victory not only adds another trophy to Williams' impressive collection but also solidifies his legacy as one of snooker's true greats - a player capable of making history decades after turning professional.
