Mark Williams’ quest for a fourth World Snooker Championship title came to a disappointing end in the first round as he lost a thrilling last-frame decider to 2023 semi-finalist Si Jiahui. The 49-year-old Welshman, who was hoping to become the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, had led 5-4 after Monday’s opening session but found himself 8-5 down as Si reeled off four frames in a row on Tuesday afternoon. Williams showed his resilience to recover from 9-7 down and force a decider, but his Chinese opponent, 21, kept his cool under pressure to knock in a nerveless break of 77 in the 19th frame and secure a second-round meeting with fellow qualifier Jak Jones.
Williams’ exit marked the sixth seed to be eliminated in the first round, joining defending champion Luca Brecel, four-time winner Mark Selby, Ali Carter, Gary Wilson, and Zhang Anda. Despite winning the Tour Championship in Manchester just before the World Championship, Williams could not find his rhythm in Sheffield and was unable to get past Si, who saved his highest break of the match for when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, 2020 finalist Kyren Wilson surged into an 8-1 lead over Dominic Dale, while World No. 17 Jack Lisowski leads seventh seed and 2016 finalist Ding Junhui 5-4. Mark Allen also made a strong start, romping into a 7-2 advantage over Robbie Williams. The World Championship continues with Ronnie O’Sullivan beginning his bid for an outright record eighth world title against Jackson Page on Wednesday afternoon.
