Zhao Xintong on verge of history as Mark Williams channels spirit of two snooker legends

Zhao Xintong is seven frames away from history after dominating the first day of the World Championship final. The Chinese Cyclone, 28, has the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he bids to become the country's first world champion.

But Zhao handled the pressure of a maiden Sheffield showpiece as he opened up a healthy 11-6 lead over all-time great Mark Williams. Former UK champion Zhao would become the first amateur to conquer the Crucible.

The Chinese cueman, who was ranked world No.9 when he was banned for betting breaches two years ago, would also be the first qualifier to lift the title since Shaun Murphy 20 years ago.

It has been a sad year for Welsh snooker with the losses of legends Ray Reardon and Terry Griffiths sadly passing away.

And three-time winner Williams, 50, is using their spirit as inspiration as he tries to mount the greatest overnight comeback in Crucible history. No player has ever overturned deficit as large in a Sheffield showpiece.

But age-defying Williams, who would become the oldest ever world champion, said: "They [were] two legends of Welsh sport. And I'm playing in the final.

"Maybe I've got Griffiths on one shoulder and Ray on the other shoulder willing me on. I don't know. It's funny how things happen, but it'd be nice to win it for, obviously, myself and them as well. Because they're the reason why most of us, young Welsh people, are playing snooker. Fingers crossed."

The 22-year age gap between the two finalists is the largest ever in a world final. Amazingly, Williams' oldest son Connor is only seven years younger than hotshot Zhao, who was three years old when the legend first lifted the trophy back in 2000.

The left-hander, who has been likened to Jimmy White for his natural fast style, made the most of his extra day off as he made a fast start.

Chinese cueman Zhao benefitted from blowing away Ronnie O'Sullivan with a session to spare whilst Williams came through a tough battle with world No.1 Judd Trump.

Zhao took advantage of the chances gifted to him by misfiring Williams as he opened up a hefty 7-1 cushion with breaks of 77, 100, 57, 104 and 83.

Williams took the first two frames of the evening with his highest break of the match, 86, but Zhao re-established his six-frame advantage with runs of 71 and 56.

The Welsh Potting Machine kept himself alive with some incredible pots as he closed to 9-5 with a visit of 72.

But Zhao kept Williams at arms length overnight with a break of 96 in the 15th frame and pinning the 16th frame with a cool 71 visit on the black.

Williams held his nerve with a much-needed clearance on the colours to finish five frames behind.