Williams beat the Rockets seven times in a row to win the tour title
Mark Williams came from 3-5 down to overturn O'Sullivan 10-5 in the final of the Tour Championship to claim one of the greatest victories of his 32-year career.
In addition to the title in the three major tournaments, it was also one of Williams' most important victories, as he defeated three of the best players in the world in Manchester this week – Trump was eliminated 10-4 in the quarter-finals, Allen was eliminated 10-5 in the semi-finals, and then defeated the greatest man of all time, Ronnie O'Sullivan, in the final. The 49-year-old Williams played his best snooker since winning the Crucible championship for the third time in 2018.
The Rockets, a five-time champion this season, looked in control when he slashed three straight shots to break 100 to win four games in a row to take a 5-3 lead, but Williams played a dominant role in the evening, winning seven games in a row to claim the trophy and £150,000. It was the 26th ranking title of his career and the second of the season, as he won the British Open in September. Sixth-placed Williams will travel to Sheffield in peak form in two weeks' time. He was full of confidence.
Over the past 20 years, Williams has had a poor record against the Rockets, a member of the "Class of '92," having lost 22 of his previous 24 games. However, under the watchful eye of his wife, Joanne, and sons, Connor, Gian and Joel, he came out on top in his first ranking final since the 2000 China Open.
The Rockets missed out on a career-42 ranking title and the chance to win six titles in a single season for the first time since 2000/01. But he remains world number one and his prize money record for the season stands at £1,215,500.
The final red of the night came to the last of the game, with Williams netting a brilliant pass to close the deficit to 5-4. He then hit another 104 points to tie the score. When he scored 54 points in a single stroke to win the 11th game after falling behind 6-42, he began to look smoother, and then added 99 points to take a 7-5 lead.
After halftime, the Rockets had a scoring chance in the 13th inning, but only scored 23 points before missing the top pocket red ball, and his opponent punished him again with 112 points. This is Uncle Ma's sixth shot to break 100 in this game, and then hit another 78 points to extend the advantage to 9-5.
In the 15th inning, he scored 35 points and made a misposition, but that lead proved so large when the ball landed in an awkward position that the Rockets couldn't pull the ball back into place. After taking a 47-19 lead, Uncle Ma hit the last red ball into the middle pocket, and when he then scored another yellow ball, the Rockets came up and shook hands and surrendered.
Uncle Ma said: "It's unbelievable that he has a 5-3 lead. For me, the break came at the right time because if he continues like this, there is no way to stop him. I put him under pressure tonight and I won seven games in a row, which not many guys can do against the Rockets. He started missing games and was frustrated towards the end of the race. He didn't play well, but I think it's because I'm constantly scoring high. I have to bring the pressure to him and go on the attack. I've been battling nonsensical balls all week. I said to coach Walker that if I lose, I'm going to give it my all and attack like crazy. That's what I enjoy. ”
"In the first round against Forde, 9-9, he led by 54 points, missed a simple red ball, and I made the best clearance of my career. You often see someone who should be out in the first round, keep going and win the championship. ”
Looking ahead to Crucible, Uncle Ma added: "I had the opportunity to go there and this victory gave me more confidence. I wouldn't say I'm one of the favourites, but I'm probably a good perimeter hunter. ”
"He's been consistent for the last five years, he's hit the ball well and rarely plays bad games," Rocket said. He's an amazing player and I think he's better than ever. I tried everything, but he was too good. If he had dedicated his life to this tournament, he might have become world No. 1, but he didn't – he likes to relax, play golf and enjoy his life! ”
"The fans here are really supportive of the players and unbelievably supportive of the game. It's a great venue and I love coming here and hopefully the tour will stay in Manchester. (Welcome to click to pay attention to Runwu AB, please indicate the source for reprinting, thank you)