Williams on the ropes as Zhao dominates opening session

The Crucible qualifier Zhao Xintong dominated Mark Williams in the opening session of the World Snooker Championship final, running up a 7-1 lead.

- Phil Casey

The Chinese, who thrashed Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-final, was in complete control as the three-time champion was unable to find the form that saw him upset Judd Trump on Saturday.

Zhao won the first three frames to set the tone in the best-of-35 clash and refused to let the Welshman back in, hitting two fine centuries along the way.

That was enough to make him firm favourite to become just the third player in history to win the prestigious tournament having come through qualification.

Zhao, playing as an amateur in Sheffield, settled quickest, controlling the opening frame after an initial 51-point flurry and sealing it after navigating a safety exchange.

Williams opened his account for the day with a long red at the start of the second but missed the chance to win it, inviting his opponent in for a clean 100 break.