Cyclone Zhao storms into strong position

BUT DOGGED WILLIAMS HAS RAY OF HOPE AFTER LAST-FRAME CLINCHER

- Shane MacDermott

ZHAO XINTONG is seven frames away from history after dominating the first day of the World Championship final but Welshman Mark Williams is still in with a shout.

The Chinese Cyclone, 28, has the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he bids to become his country's first world king.

Zhao handled the pressure of a maiden Sheffield showpiece as he opened up an 11-6 lead over all-time great Williams overnight.

Former UK champion Zhao would become the first amateur to conquer the Crucible too.

The Chinese cueman, who was ranked world No.9 when he was banned for betting breaches two years ago, would also be the first qualifier to lift the title since Shaun Murphy 20 years ago.