China is edging closer to having its first world snooker champion after Zhao Xintong established an 11-6 lead over Mark Williams at the halfway point of the final at the Crucible Theatre on Sunday. Zhao needs to get to 18 frames to claim the sport's biggest prize,

Zhao Xintong leads Mark Williams 11-6 after day one of World Championship final - Zhao needs seven more frames to become the first Chinese winner of the World Championship.

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