Summary

  • Wales' Mark Williams wins third world title at age 43

  • Williams beats John Higgins 18-16 in classic final

  • Oldest champion since 45-year-old Ray Reardon in 1978

  • As promised attends news conference naked apart from a towel

  • Williams won his other world titles in 2000 and 2003

Live Reporting

Michael Emons

  1. 'We didn't expect a one-sided final'

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-14 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Stephen Hendry
    Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

    We didn't think a final between two great players would be so one-sided. We thought this would go all the way.

    John Higgins has to get something this afternoon or he'll suffer the embarrassment of being beaten a session early.

    HigginsGetty Images

  2. Seven in a row for Williams

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-14 Mark Williams (7-63, Williams 52)

    In four frames today, Mark Williams has now made breaks of 61, 56, 69, 56 and now 52. That is seven on the spin for the Welshman, who now looks to have one hand on the title.

    Higgins already looks a beaten man. The mini-session interval now gives him a few minutes respite to haul himself together.

  3. Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    That missed cut red has given Williams the chance for his fifth break of more than 50 in only four frames today (he made two in the last frame).

  4. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Simon Bartle: Higgins' head has gone. You shouldn't be missing pots like that. But being 6 frames down, it's quite a hill to climb. Give your head a wobble lad!

    Boylie: It's never over when Higgins is still battling but I'll be delighted to see Mark Williams become world champion. 15 years since his last world title. Stellar form and an incredible snooker story if (the now likely) happens #ilovesnooker

  5. A naked Williams?

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

    John Higgins is gone.

    Mark Williams promised to do his news conference naked if he wins the trophy and that prospect is looming larger than ever.

  6. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Mind-in-Requiem: I cannot believe this score line I think everyone, audience, commentators, pundits, probably even Mark Williams is stunned at this score line. I'm amazed that John Higgins has collapsed, there is no other word for it. 7-13 Williams.

    Mr Cornelius-Sponne: This Mark Williams performance is like a timewarp to the early 00's!

  7. Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Now this is promising for John Higgins. He sends the blue off its spot into the pocket and the reds open up nicely.

    Well, just as I write that it was promising, he misses. A cut on the red is unsuccessful. Another chance is wasted. He might not get many more. 7-11

  8. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Craig Harris: Absolutely scorching day. Perfect to be holed up indoors, curtains drawn watching Mark Williams play outrageous exhibition stuff in the World Championship final. Is it the 90s?! Must be that lucky kebab Mark! Keep it up, vintage #pottingmachine

    Barry Rhodes (Mr D): Scary to think that Willo could win this one with a session to spare. Not many people can say they've demolished John Higgins in the world champs, but that's pretty much exactly what we're seeing here.

  9. Frame 21: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams

    John Higgins sits there in his chair reflecting on another bad miss. This time a failed pot on the brown to gift Williams another chance in this frame, frame 21. 1-0

  10. 'Williams back to his very best'

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    John Parrott
    1991 world champion on BBC Two

    Mark Williams is in the peak of his form and I can't see any way for John to get back into this. Mark is back to his very best.

    John needed a good start and that fluke in the first frame for Mark could be massive.

  11. Did you know?

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    The last man to fail to reach double figures in a World Snooker Championship final was Shaun Murphy, who lost 18-9 to John Higgins back in 2009.

    Shaun MurphyGetty Images

    There was not much to smile about for Shaun Murphy once the 2009 final got under way

  12. 'Remarkable performance'

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Dennis Taylor
    1985 world champion on BBC Two

    This is a remarkable performance from Mark Williams. He's so good to watch the way he goes about break-building.

    Is there any way of stopping this potting machine?

  13. 'So much pressure on Higgins'

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Stephen Hendry
    Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

    John Higgins has only had half-chances and there's been so much pressure on him because he's so far behind, he's not been able to make anything of them.

    This final could be over quicker than anyone would have expected.

  14. Another one for Williams

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-13 Mark Williams (0-126, Williams 69 and 56)

    But John Higgins immediately leaves a red over the middle and that is that. Williams follows up his earlier break of 69 with a clearance of 56.

    This is already looking done and dusted, although he still needs five more. Higgins needs something sensational.

  15. Frame 20: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Mark Williams is producing wonderful snooker as he is sprinting towards the title. John Higgins looks shell-shocked. A break of 69 puts Williams 70-0 and Higgins, needing one snooker comes to the table to see if he can salvage this one.

  16. Frame 20: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams

    Another break of more than 50 for Williams, 0-55

  17. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 20: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams

    Luke Moore: Rooting for Higgins to close the gap here, for the sake of a close match. My first (almost full) day off in ages & watching intently! Overjoyed that my girlfriend booked tickets for the semis next yr as an early pressie too! Can not wait!

    Paul Burton: Williams is giving Higgins a proper pasting now.

  18. Frame 20: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams

    Bad news, Higgins fans. Your man is again stuck in his chair as Williams looks for another sizeable score.

  19. 'Higgins missing shots you wouldn't expect'

    Frame 19: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    John Parrott
    1991 world champion on BBC Two

    John Higgins hasn't had much table time but has missed shots you wouldn't expect.

    He needs help from his opponent but I'm not sure he's going to get much the way Mark Williams is playing. Mark is looking very comfortable.

  20. Get Involved #bbcsnooker

    Frame 19: John Higgins 7-12 Mark Williams (first to 18)

    Kieronn: Real uphill battle as well for Higgins, he’s somehow got to win 11 out of the possible 16 available. I certainly wouldn’t put it past him but it’s a very big ask.

    Mercian: 12-7... beginning to believe Williams will do it.