Summary

  • First-day score: John Higgins (Sco) 7-10 Mark Williams (Wal)

  • Williams wins last three frames at the Crucible

  • Final best of 35 frames - 18 to play on Monday

  • Higgins seeking fifth world title and Williams his third

Live Reporting

Michael Emons

  1. 'A fascinating character to unpick'

    Frame 5: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Steve Davis
    Six-time world champion on BBC Two

    You have to be ruthless to keep winning matches and that's what Mark Williams the snooker player is. He's a great bully when he's on top and that's what you have to be to dominate matches.

    On the snooker table at his best he's a vicious animal but he is also someone that is incredibly laid back. He's a fascinating character to unpick and make out what makes him tick.

    The intensity is different for him to someone like Stephen Hendry because he's a such a different type of player.

  2. Frame 5: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    An early foul gifted Mark Williams four points, but a solid red into the middle is a confidence-builder for the Scot. Can he build on that though?

  3. Frame 5: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    And we are back. Frame five. Already a lot for John Higgins to do.

  4. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Trevor Carey: Four frames and the highest break is 42. Another year where players are drained after 16 long days of action. It’s more a test of mental toughness than snooker ability.

    Christoph: Mark Williams eating sweeties and playing with his eyes shut, now 4 frames to 0 ahead, quite something at the start of a world championship final.

    Terence: Such an emotional guy John Higgins, as well as being one of the best snooker players there`s ever been. I love people showing their emotions. Struggling a bit just now but C`MON John! Make this a cracking final.

  5. 'Who saw this coming?'

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

    A collective gasp blew around back stage when Higgins missed that green and Williams took the frame.

    "Who saw this coming?" one journalist says.

    The Welshman came into one of the rooms during the interval, wonder if he is still feeling pecking and looking for something to eat?

    One thing is for sure, that kebab last night has done him no harm.

  6. 'Damage limitations for Higgins'

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Stephen Hendry
    Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

    It's already become damage limitations for John Higgins now in this eight-frame session. He's really got to get something out of it.

    That can be the difference between who's crowned champion, what you can get from a bad session.

    John HigginsPA

  7. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Martin Warren: John Higgins has to win a frame soon or else I sense an early finish. Too easy for Mark Williams.

    Bruno Kuvek: I've never seen Higgins as nervous as this.

    Kenny Kong: Mark Williams 4-0 up at the first mid-session of the #snookerworldchampionship final, Higgins has not at all settled and kicks are not helping neither.

  8. Different kind of pressure

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Stephen Hendry
    Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

    There are different kinds of pressures in snooker and some are horrible pressures. To get your first frame on the board is a horrible pressure. Higgins will be fuming.

  9. Williams four up

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-4 Mark Williams (55-70, Higgins 55, Williams 38)

    Played four, won four. This last one is a steal. He came to the table 55-14 behind after that heavy contact from Higgins when trying to pot a red into the top corner.

    But Williams wins the frame on the pink. He has not made a break of more than 42, but Williams will not care about that at all and he is dominating this final so far.

  10. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    We are down to the green, but Higgins misses it with the rest and leaves it hanging over the pocket. If Williams can clear the colours the 4-0 advantage is his. 60-52

  11. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    A rolled red along the cushion from Williams, the last red on the table, stays out to bring Higgins back to the baize. It is 55-52 with Higgins looking to get out of the first mini session with one frame on the board. Three one doesn't look too bad, remember it is up to 18, but 4-0 already seems a bit of a hill to climb.

  12. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Dennis Taylor
    1985 world champion on BBC Two

    Three nil behind, going along nicely and about to win your first frame and then that happens - you get a kick.

  13. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    A heavy contact for Higgins sees the target red crawl along and miss the pocket. He had rattled in 55, the first half-century break of the match, but Williams could swoop in and take this out of his hands. 55-14

  14. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Jake Meyrick: Eating kebabs and sweets, closing his eyes and being in front at the mid session interval... what a guy

    Alan McWhan: "Use the Force, Mark! Trust your feelings..."

    Sam Wingrove: Williams playing like God at the moment and cool as a cucumber. Can’t see Higgins getting into the match if he keeps this up.

  15. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    A chance for Higgins in the fourth. We have not had a break of more than 42 so far. Higgins is well placed to win the frame with a large score here.

  16. 'Williams horrible to chase'

    Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Stephen Hendry
    Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

    Williams can play all sorts of frames, he doesn't mind how the game goes.

    There are no weaknesses in his game so he'd be a horrible player to go three, four, five frames behind against and then go and chase.

  17. Frame 4: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Into the fourth we go, the last frame before a mini-break. Who was expecting this?

  18. 'Close your eyes on a long pot? Astonishing'

    Frame 3: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Dennis Taylor
    1985 world champion on BBC Two

    How can you close your eyes and knock in a pink like that it? Sometimes you do it on a black if you're right behind it, but that pink was miles away. Astonishing.

  19. Close your eyes and hope

    Frame 3: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    A bizarre moment from Mark Williams in that third frame. He potted a long pink, but did it with his eyes closed.

    Eating like a student, playing while sleeping, Williams leads 3-0. Whatever works for you.

    Mark Williams.

  20. Williams extends his lead further

    Frame 3: John Higgins 0-3 Mark Williams (35-72, Williams 42)

    We were wondering if Mark Williams would be shattered after his epic semi-final against Barry Hawkins late last night.

    If he was, Higgins has not been able to take advantage. Three frames gone and the Welshman has taken them all.

    John Higgins will be wishing he could press the reset button on this match. A disastrous start for the four-time world champion.