The ‘Welsh Potting Machine’ appeared a rank outsider for the title when he was hammered 10-3 by Ding Junhui at the Tour Championship in April. Afterwards, he made comments about his Crucible hopes, which now appear misplaced.

Williams will become the oldest player to contest the final at the Crucible after overcoming Judd Trump 17-14 at the tender age of 50. Zhao impressively dispatched Ronnie O’Sullivan at the last-four stage, comfortably beating the seven-time champion 17-7 with a session to spare.

Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong take centre stage in the World Snooker Championship final this weekend, and joining them will be referee Desislava Bozhilova. The 32-year-old from Bulgaria has long been a fixture on the World Snooker Tour, becoming one of the most respected officials in the game.