Mark Williams has won the Tour Championship for the first time in his career with a 10-5 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The Welshman was the clear underdog heading into the final in Manchester, staging a competition that features the top-12 players on the one-year ranking list.
However, despite losing four frames in a row to go 5-3 behind heading into the evening session, the 49-year-old produced a stunning run of frames to seal one of his greatest wins.
With a British Open win earlier in the season ensuring that he went into this contest as the eighth-ranked player, collecting the £150,000 winners' cheque has the potential to keep Williams in the top eight of the world rankings for the foreseeable future.
MARK WILLIAMS IS THE JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TOUR CHAMPION 2024!@markwil147 | @johnstonestrade pic.twitter.com/VLz37F6Gkv
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 7, 2024
Williams had been sublime during the opening four frames, compiling four breaks in excess of 60 to move 3-1 ahead, but he was left helpless during the next four frames, scoring just two points.
O'Sullivan put together breaks of 102, 121 and 127 as he showcased his class, yet he would remarkably not win a single frame during the evening.
Breaks of 104 and 99 helped Williams move 7-5 in front, while efforts of 112 and 78 helped him seal the win for the 26th ranking title of his career.
Darren Plant
