China's Zhao Xintong jumps out to big lead over Williams in World Snooker Championship final

China's Zhao Xintong took an imposing 11-6 lead over Mark Williams of Wales on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, United Kingdom, on Sunday.

Zhao, who is hoping to become China's first-ever world champion, raced out to an early 7-1 advantage in the best-of-35-frame contest. But Williams staged a mini-revival in the second session to keep alive his hopes of a fourth title.

Williams, the oldest player ever to reach the final at the age of 50, was not at his best in the opening session, failing to make his best break of 61 stand up in the sixth frame.

His 28-year-old opponent took full advantage, before the Welshman hit back in the second session by claiming five of the nine frames.

Williams still faces a huge task to deny Zhao the title on Monday, with no player having overcome such a large overnight deficit since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.