Williams beats Higgins to claim third world snooker crown

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01:21

The 43-year-old Mark Williams grabbed his third World Snooker Championship title in his career by beating John Higgins 18-16 on Monday.

Former world No.1 Williams has won 21 ranking tournaments including the two World Champion titles in 2000 and 2003, while his opponent John Higgins earned 30 ranking titles, including four World Championships title in his career.

John Higgins in action during the 2018 Betfred World Championship. /VCG Photo

Williams began 15-10 ahead in the final stage, needing only three frames to make the victory since he won the second World Championship trophy in 2003.

The “wizard” played 131 breaks and won the two frames to make it 15-12. Williams had more mistakes as he failed for the red and Higgins leveled at 15-15.

Mark Williams celebrates with trophy after the final. /‍VCG Photo

The “golden lefthander” never let the chance miss again, as he sank the red in the long distance to seal it 18-16. At 43, Williams became the oldest champion since Ray Reardon 40 years ago.

Williams joins Mark Selby as a three-time Crucible champion, behind only Stephen Hendry with seven, Steve Davis with six, Ronnie O'Sullivan with five and Higgins with four.