Mark Williams, 50, pictured ‘punching’ Zhao Xintong after losing World Snooker Championship final




Mark Williams has amused snooker fans after the 50-year-old was pictured ‘punching’ Zhao Xintong following Monday’s World Snooker Championship final.Zhao etched his name into the history books by winning 18-12 at the Crucible, becoming the first Chinese player in history to claim the prize.It was a remarkable achievement from the 28-year-old, who previously served a 20-match ban.Williams was disappointed after his defeat – but still seemed to be in good spirits after his hopes of glory went up in smoke.Mark Williams has amused snooker fans after the 50-year-old was pictured ‘punching’ Zhao Xintong following Monday’s World Snooker Championship finalXThe Welshman posed for a picture with Zhao – and jokingly was seen ‘punching’ his rival.Snooker fans have been left amused by the snap, with one user saying: “Mark taking it well. Love this.”A second wrote: “Mark Williams is a class act. And Zhao, what a champion.”Another stated: “You just can’t not love Mark. What a fella.”JUST IN:Two riders die in horrific British Supersport Championship crash after 11-bike pile-up“What a potter he is over there, I’m glad I will be too old when he’s dominating the game.“I have nothing but admiration for what he has done, having come through the qualifiers.“He hasn’t played for two years, bashed Ronnie up, bashed me up, bashed everybody up.“There’s a new superstar of the game and here’s over there.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Mark Williams appeared to be in good spirits despite losing the World Snooker Championship final on MondayPA“Let’s see where I am in the ranking at 60. I am still playing quite good stuff. Even though it’s a bit blurry.”What I can say, the night belongs to him and congratulations.“It was unbelievable, the reception I have had all week, but tonight it was special.”Everybody was on their feet and it was like a tear to the eye.”Zhao Xintong is on top of the world following his World Snooker Championship final winPAZhao, meanwhile, was delighted after winning the title.”This is like a dream. I can’t believe it,” he said.”There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly.”I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.”