Mark Williams becomes oldest ranking event winner in history with Xi'an Grand Prix glory in dominant final triumph against Shaun Murphy

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Mark Williams finished his week at the Xi'an Grand Prix with a historic flourish as he produced back-to-back centuries on his way to a 10-3 final win over Shaun Murphy that saw the evergreen Welshman become the oldest winner of a ranking event in the modern era of the sport. Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Northern Ireland Open, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'Unexpectedly one-sided' - Williams seals emphatic victory over Murphy to create history

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Evergreen Williams revels in historic Xi'an Grand Prix triumph

Mark Williams became the oldest winner of a ranking event as he produced a vintage and clinical display in overcoming an in-form Shaun Murphy 10-3 in the Xi'an Grand Prix final on Monday.

Williams, 50 years and 206 days, claimed the 27th ranking title of his career in the Chinese city, overtaking fellow Welshman Ray Reardon, who was 50 years and 14 days when he defeated Jimmy White 10-5 at the Professional Players Tournament in Sutton Coldfield in October 1982.

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He also becomes the first player to win a professional tour event in his teens, 20s, 30, 40s and 50s as he claims the handsome trophy and £177,000 first prize.

And Williams returns to the world's top four after moving back above fellow 'Class of '92' icon Ronnie O'Sullivan into fourth spot in the rankings.

Resuming 7-1 clear from the first session, Williams rolled in a fabulous 122, his second century of the final, before Murphy, who began the final as a warm favourite, briefly threatened a recovery by winning back-to-back frames, boosted by a 93 in the 11th frame to close to 8-3.

But it could not deter Williams from his spot in the history books as he wrapped up the title in some style either side of the mid-session interval with further inspired knocks of 65 and 61.

First session report

Mark Williams needs only three more frames to become the oldest ranking event winner in history after opening up a 7-1 lead over Shaun Murphy at the Xi'an Grand Prix in China.

The three-time world champion produced an impeccable display of matchplay snooker to severely punish Murphy, who was guilty of breaking down several times among the balls with his tactical game also pounded by the inspired Welshman.

Breaks of 75, 73, 55, 56, 68, 55 and a total clearance of 127 left Williams in total command before they play to a finish from 12:30pm (UK time) on Monday with the world No. 5 close to breaking a unique 43-year record.

Williams will be 50 years and 206 days if he can claim the 27th ranking title of his career, overtaking fellow Welshman Ray Reardon, who was 50 and 14 days when the six-time world champion defeated Jimmy White 10-5 at the Professional Players Tournament in Sutton Coldfield in October 1982.

Murphy produced a fine 69 in the fourth frame, but will need a minor miracle in the second session, chasing nine frames from the remaining 11 and a £177,000 first prize on the table.

Result: Murphy 3-10 Williams

The handshake comes from Murphy. What a stunning display and triumph. He overtakes Ray Reardon as the oldest champion of all time in ranking events, a record set 43 years ago, in October 1982.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-83)

In goes plant on reds and that will be your winner. What a performance this has been.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-66)

But he misses red to right middle on 61. Well then. Looked all over. But not yet. Murphy goes for long red. Doesn't drop. And Williams cans red to left centre. Almost home and hosed now.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-53)

Could he finish this final with a century? Would be a fitting way to go out. Wouldn't be absurd. Has brought his A game to the party in this final.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-45)

These reds are all suddenly opening up nicely here. Black on spot. Shaun might be fearing the end game now.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-30)

First chance to get this match won is right here, right now for Williams. Got the trademark slow walk on between shots. Even though he plays at great speed. Never looks rushed.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (15-8)

Willo goes for a long red. Just off potting angle, and an easy starter for Shaun, who is bidding to mount the mother all comebacks here. But a rare miss using the rest on a red brings Mark back to the table.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (0-0)

Off we go then for the 13th frame of a possible 19. Shaun requires the remaining seven. Otherwise, we are witnessing a piece of snooker history here.

Murphy 3-9 Williams (0-0)

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Latest: Murphy 3-9 Williams (0-0)

‘Wow, what a pick out that is!’ - Williams sinks outrageous red and then steals frame from Murphy

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Murphy 3-8 Williams (14-92)

And it will be a 9-3 lead for Williams, who requires one more frame for victory and the £177,000 first prize. And of course, history as the sport's oldest ranking event winner.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (14-67)

Murphy trying to launch a rearguard action, but black along top cushion doesn't drop and that will be that for the 12th frame.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (6-66)

Breaks move to 58 from Willo before frame-ball black is canned. 65 knock from Williams before he knocks the black and red safe too. Clever stuff as always from Williams.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (6-48)

Some lovely little shots in this contribution. Break reaches 47 as Williams closes in on a 9-3 lead. Which leave him needing one more after the break. Has been so good in this final.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (6-24)

Double kiss on a red by Murphy to stick up a red for Williams. Chance then to build a lead in this 12th frame. Not so easy to win the frame, but should certainly make a few.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (6-1)

Murphy with a cracking pot on a red to yellow bag after Williams failed to sink a long red. Goes for a long red seconds later, but rattles the jaws. Tricky table with black up other end.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (0-0)

A bout of safety play early in the 12th frame. Murphy leaves Williams stuck to the yellow. Which sees him hampered for his escape back to baulk. Might be a dump shot instead. Off two cushions and into pack. Which is very well judged. Excellent pace on the white.

Murphy 3-8 Williams (0-0)

Williams with the honour in the 12th frame. Leaves a red for Murphy to weigh up, but he instead comes off one cushion to nestle on the reds.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (93-5)

Onto the final red in baulk. Just misses it across the table to green bag, but 93 is just the job for Murphy, who now trails 8-3. Williams still looking for two, Murphy seven.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (70-5)

In goes frame-ball black to secure the frame. We will have a mid-session break then. Could be a century coming up from the former world champion.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (54-5)

Nothing much between Murphy and a charge to the winning post in the frame. Reds are all in open after his early attack on the pack.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (33-5)

Has been scoring heavily all week so would expect him to win a second straight frame here. All things being equal.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (18-5)

Mark tries to squeeze home a plant, but nothing doing. And chance for Shaun to get the reds open seconds later. Splashes open the reds. And in goes green too. This is a big opportunity for Murphy to score.

Murphy 2-8 Williams (0-0)

The 11th frame of this final as Murphy breaks off with hope in his heart.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (64-0)

Shaun doing the job in three visits, but one is pulled back. Back to 8-2 adrift. Williams has seen enough as the concession comes.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (42-0)

Another bite at the cherry then for Murphy in his quest to get his second frame of the final locked up.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (35-0)

Murphy sizing up position on green. Which he puts away, but out of position on the next colour after red. That will frustrate him. Was building up some momentum. Just the roll down the table to yellow.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (24-0)

Second chance of the frame for Shaun. And in goes red to left middle. Playing for professional pride as much as anything else out there.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (7-0)

Murphy with another corking long red, but story of the final really. Can't land on the black to continue break. Safety to follow.

Murphy 1-8 Williams (0-0)

Williams breaks off the 10th frame of the second session. Murphy has to keep Mark on eight for the rest of the night probably. Not like Williams will be shy of the winning line.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-122)

And there we go. 122 to go with the 127. Majestic, magical Mark Williams. Two frames from history.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-90)

One tricky red left on side rail. Can he down this for the century? And the answer is yes. Just the colours to come here. For back-to-back total clearances.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-78)

Really is a joy to behold this. Like O'Sullivan in full flow, makes the game look ridiculously easy when he feels like it.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-75)

Ended the first session with a big century of 127, and could be resuming with another hefty ton here. Just oozing confidence and class in the moment. Williams in his 44th ranking event final, and is in the zone in Xi'an.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-46)

Wonderful cut from Willo on a red. White flashes all around the angles to land on blue. This looks like 8-1 is in the post.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-34)

Superb cutback pot on a black and lands nicely on next red with rest. Looking to get his hand on table with another big scoring chance right here, right now.

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-12)

Murphy brings the balls out in open, but also leaves a cutback red. Which Williams drains nicely. First prod at balls in the ninth frame falls to the three-time Crucible winner. What is he going to produce at this visit?

Murphy 1-7 Williams (0-0)

Off they go then for frame nine of a possible 19. Murphy gets the balls moving. Delilah blares out before Willo walks out. Wonder how many Tom Jones fans there are in Xi'an?

Following in the footsteps of the great Ray Reardon

Victory today would see him overtake six-time world champion and fellow Welshman Ray Reardon as the oldest major title winner in the modern history of the sport.

Reardon achieved the feat back in 1982.

He defeated Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White 10-5 at the age of 50 years and 14 days at the Professional Players Tournament in Sutton Coldfield in October 1982.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Williams three frames from (more) glory

As well as being the oldest winner of a ranking event, Williams could also become the first player to win a professional tour event in their teens, 20s, 30, 40s and 50s.

Plus there is the small matter of a £177,000 first prize and a spot inside the world's top four.

Murphy needing to make a fast start this evening in China, like Williams did this morning.

Boys on baize at 12:30pm BST.

- - -

Mark Williams needs only three more frames to become the oldest ranking event winner in history after opening up a 7-1 lead over Shaun Murphy at the Xi'an Grand Prix in China.

Murphy produced a fine 69 in the fourth frame, but will need a minor miracle in the second session, chasing nine frames from the remaining 11 and a £177,000 first prize on the table.

Latest: Murphy 1-7 Williams

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-127)

A total clearance of 127 from Williams. He is 7-1 clear and requires another three frames for victory. They are going to call off the first session at eight frames. One less frame than the nine scheduled. So they will resume at 12:30pm with Williams leading 7-1.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-100)

In goes the black for the fourth century of the event by Williams. Really is terrific to watch in this form. Vintage Williams.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-70)

In goes frame ball black too. Time not on Shaun's side in this final. Heading for a century too perhaps.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-57)

Tricky cut on a black with rest, but made to look easy. Murphy can only sit on and study another frame disappearing over the horizon. This has been exceptional.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-41)

Always with plenty of options around the black spot is the key to these breaks. And Williams is a mastter of his craft. Up for brown before red is drained. Looks like 7-1 is incoming.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-13)

Another majestic red to left middle is floated home by Williams before green is downed too. What a chance for Williams to take out a seventh frame here and now. Black on spot and plenty of reds to attack.

Murphy 1-6 Williams (8-0)

Brilliant long red by Murphy. And he is ideally on black too. What comes next though? Not on the next red. Just the roll back to baulk off a red.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (8-132)

A closing clearance of 55 from Mark and he is five clear now. Work to be done by Shaun. An uphill struggle.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (8-100)

Exceptional level of matchplay snooker by the Welshman, who will lead by at least three before the concluding session.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (8-77)

In goes red and pink to surely seal the 6-1 lead. Four away from the title with two frames of the sesh to come. Murphy isn't going to win this match in a safety scrap.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-69)

Delivering a masterclass in this final so far in how to get frames won. Looks like we are heading 6-1 now. A 59 break and he is on the cusp of another frame.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-55)

Williams powers white into a few reds on top such via blue. Thin cut on a red using extended rest, but plays that superbly to land perfectly on pink too. "Everything going his way," comments Alan McManus on comms.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-22)

Williams doing his work with reds and pinks at the moment with black out of commission. Looking to erect a big lead before the second session.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-16)

Murphy can't drop in a long red. And Willo tucks away a cut on a red to green bag. Out on the brown, and controls that nicely down the table.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-10)

Black has again gone tricky to a top cushion. Which could see more tactical play as the order of the day. Williams really is a master of tactical duels. Slowing down matters in this final too.

Murphy 1-5 Williams (4-0)

Murphy breaking off for the seventh frame of final. Three more to come then. Williams in a snooker behind green after missing thin edge of red, but well negotiated to escape into pack.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (37-82)

In goes red and black from Murphy, who trails by 33 on colours, but Willo puts away the colours with a fabulous clearance to finalise the frame. A 5-1 lead in the final. So he will he return for the evening session clasping a lead.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (29-70)

That is a superb cut on a red and in goes black too. Murphy needing a snooker in a frame running for 36 minutes. Murphy went for a long red. Didn't make it and this has been the result. Williams can win frames any way it seems.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (29-58)

Williams wins the tactical duel by snicking home a thin cut on a red to left middle. And suddenly has opportunity to establish a lead heading for home in the frame. Break reaches 37 before he is faced with a tough red down a side rail. But doesn't go. Caught near jaw. A handy lead in frame with two reds left on deck.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (29-21)

Williams twice missing the reds from deep in baulk, and twice hitting the pink. The sixth frame easily the longest of this final. Hits a red at third time of asking.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (23-21)

This frame is one for the purists. Very scrappy with both players forced to commit to a period of tactical torpor. Murphy so far mixing it well with Williams, who has never been a slouch in the safety department.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (13-21)

Having to do all his work with baulk colours at the moment. Lot of work for few points. And he ends going in off potting a brown and trying to release pink.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (5-17)

Balls all over show at moment, but Murphy back at the table for now.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (0-17)

Well, didn't see that coming as Mark misses red using the rest. But not sure he has left much. Which will annoy his opponent, who goes for a tough red to yellow bag. Doesn't drop. Another chance for Williams, but he can't bag a demanding blue to green pocket.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (0-6)

Great red and blue combo from Williams to gain access to the table. Murphy looking a bit concerned. No wonder. That was terrific from the Welsh icon.

Murphy 1-4 Williams (0-0)

Murphy will be feeling a bit better about his lot having won the previous frame. Williams might feel like he missed a trick. Was in first, but couldn't punish.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (73-21)

Williams goes in off potting a red and quickly offers the concession. Murphy on the board. Four more frames of this session to come. So still plenty that could happen.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (69-21)

But is he on pink off the pot on red using the rest? A lead of 61 points with a break of 69. Williams requires a snooker. Otherwise, this final is back to 4-1. Willo playing on for a couple of snookers.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (60-8)

Has taken these balls superbly to reach 60. Punishing the Williams miss on the plant, and this looks like his first frame of the final. Could be a century on the cards too.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (28-8)

Murphy not careering into pack off blue this time. Which some might question why? But still in very decent nick in and round the black spot on loose reds.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (22-8)

They are all big visits to the table in a final, but this one is crucial you suspect for his future health in the match. In goes red to right middle after a phone goes off.

Murphy 0-4 Williams (1-8)

First poke at balls by Williams after a long red disappears, but doesn't land on a red and can't provide the plant either. Chance presents itself to Murphy, who is trying to halt the bleeding here.

Latest: Murphy 0-4 Williams

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-68)

A 68 clearance from Williams as pink is downed to left middle. It is Mark Williams who leads 4-0 in race to 10 in the Xi'an Grand Prix final.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-48)

Not much now between the Welshman and a clean sweep of the first four. Powers in red with rest and screws back for a baulk colour to make life easier. Just the colours to come.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-31)

This is a golden chance to put the foot on the gas here. And lead this final 4-0. Murphy will be fearing the worst here with four reds all out in open.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-13)

A bit of a tactical duel for the next chance in this frame. Nothing safe on this table for whoever gets it. And it is Williams who rolls in red to left centre. Made that look easy. What a pick out that is. A huge counter attacking chance again presents itself.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-0)

Vital for Murphy that Williams doesn't get next chance here or it could be curtains in this fourth frame.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (45-0)

Not sure he is on much here having made 45. Pink into reds has offered up nothing. Just a roll up to reds. Which won't enhance his mood music.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (25-0)

Test of the Murphy character and cue action in this visit. Could easily be 2-1 up at the moment, but errors at crucial times have been royally punished by his opponent.

Murphy 0-3 Williams (11-0)

Tricky red to right middle somehow hovers over right middle for Willo, but refuses to drop. How did that not drop? Anyway, Murphy into pack off blue. Chance to make some progress from a nice split.

Murphy 0-2 Williams (55-73)

A stunning pot on a blue to come right around the angles to land on yellow. That provides the platform for another clearance of 56 to the final black. And that is 3-0 to the world No. 5. All going his way in Xi'an. A hurtful missed black by Murphy. Needs to get back on horse ASAP.

Murphy 0-2 Williams (55-26)

Excellent start to this final by both men. Looks like Shaun is going to fight fire with fire, but he then misses black off spot on 55. Well, that is remarkable. Another chance of a big steal for Willo is underway with only three reds left up.

Murphy 0-2 Williams (38-17)

Glorious opportunity for Shaun to register his first frame of the day, right here and now. Again, cue ball control all important in these moments.

Murphy 0-2 Williams (6-17)

Error by Willo in trying to nudge white back to baulk and Murphy powers in a mid-range red without a second look.

Murphy 0-2 Williams (0-17)

Willo with first prod at these balls in the second frame, but can't get the balls open off the black at pace. Misses the black, but doesn't seem to be on a red. A bit of early running for the Welshman.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (44-85)

A 73 clearance from Williams to go with his opening 75 in the first frame, and he is 2-0 ahead in the race to 10. Needs five from the first session to ensure he doesn't trail before the second session. Which is live at 12:30pm BST.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (44-67)

In goes blue to baulk cushion, white back out for yellow. Just the baulk colours required for a 2-0 lead.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (44-44)

Golden chance for Williams to double his lead from here. Nothing safe on this table. All about controlling the white from here on in. Two reds left on deck.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (44-13)

Cutting through these balls very nicely indeed, and is clearly up to speed with this table too. But he misses the thin cutback red when he looked likely to seal the deal. Huge reprieve for Willo. Didn't see that coming.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (22-12)

Technically, Murphy is so good. Looks like he can't miss when he approaches the balls.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (2-12)

What a shot he has pulled off there as blue drops to green bag. That will do his confidence no harm at all. "That's a shot you don't see too often," says Alan McManus on comms. But he then misses a thin snick on red to right middle. First big chance handed on a plate to Murphy. And could soon be gift wrapped.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (1-1)

Great pot on a cutback red by Williams from the top end of the table. But not sure he is on a colour. And safety will need to be worked out here too.

Murphy 0-1 Williams (1-0)

Willo breaks off for the second frame of a possible 19. Murphy being sent an early message by his opponent. Loose safety shots will be punished. But a corking long red by Shaun is just the job. Not sure he is on a colour. Back up for the brown.

Murphy 0-0 Williams (0-75)

Reaches 75 with minimal fuss. Pink doesn't drop, but Shaun has seen enough. A 1-0 lead for Williams in less time than it takes to down a full English. Or even a full Welsh. Game on in Xi'an.

Murphy 0-0 Williams (0-54)

Chance for the Welshman to get this final up and running with a big century hit. Nothing like a one-visit break to get the job done. Immaculate start from the three-time world champion. As you would expect from the 'Class of '92' icon.

Murphy 0-0 Williams (0-30)

Williams looking to get up to speed straight away here. Was desperate stuff against Daniel Wells yesterday for the first six frames despite the 6-3 victory, but today is a new day. Willo looks in fine touch at close range.

Murphy 0-0 Williams (0-11)

Early safety mistake by Murphy in the first few blows of this final hands chance for Willo to get hand on table to score.

Murphy 0-0 Williams (0-0)

Murphy holding a 10-7 lead over Williams in the career head-to-heads. Nine frames to be played this afternoon in China with a possible 10 tonight. And a first prize of £177,000 on the line too.

Murphy chasing a 14th career ranking title with Williams bidding for a 27th crown, one behind Steve Davis on the all-time list.

Boys are on the baize, and Williams has Tom Jones' Delilah blaring out in Xi'an. Always a favourite venue for Tom Jones tunes.

Murphy: Form doesn't mean much in final

Shaun Murphy has dismissed his fine form ahead of his match against "one of the best of all time" Mark Williams in the final of the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix. Murphy booked his place in the climax of the tournament by beating Gary Wilson 6-4. Williams reached the final with a 6-3 victory against Daniel Wells in the other semi-final. Monday's final is live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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‘Masterclass from The Magician’ – Murphy produces ‘faultless snooker’ to reach final

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Williams bids to create unique piece of history

Victory today would see him overtake six-time world champion and fellow Welshman Ray Reardon as the oldest major title winner in the modern history of the sport.

Reardon achieved the feat back in 1982.

He defeated Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White 10-5 at the age of 50 years and 14 days at the Professional Players Tournament in Sutton Coldfield in October 1982.

‘This is what great champions do’ – Williams nails first century with ‘outstanding break’

Video credit: TNT Sports

Let's get ready to rumble

Title on the line

The title at the Xi'an Grand Prix is on the line, with Mark Williams facing Shaun Murphy in the final.

Williams beat Daniel Wells to reach the final, while Shaun Murphy got the better of Gary Wilson in the second semi-final, and they will do battle over the best-of-19 frames.

You can follow the action from 7am UK time right here with our live text and video updates, as well as tuning in on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Monday schedule

Final

07:00 & 12:30

Shaun Murphy v Mark Williams

- - -

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