Zhao Xintong made a composed start to the World Snooker Championship final on Sunday as he chased China’s first crown against Mark Williams, who was aiming to become the oldest winner at the age of 50. Williams is already the oldest finalist, while Zhao, 28, is the youngest in 14 years, having never previously gone past the last 16.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has been telling anyone who wanted to listen about a young Chinese snooker player by the name of Zhao Xintong. “Watch him – amazing – he’s the one, could be the Roger Federer of snooker,