Zhao Xintong has dominated Mark Williams in the opening session of the world snooker championship final by running up a 7-1 lead in his bid to become the first Chinese winner of the sport’s biggest prize.

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.