Mark Williams, 50, breaks snooker record and earns £177,000 after thumping Shaun Murphy

Mark Williams has etched his name into snooker history once again after winning the Xi’an Grand Prix to become the oldest player ever to lift a ranking title.

The 50-year-old Welshman produced a masterclass to defeat Shaun Murphy 10–3 in the final, capping off one of the most dominant performances of his glittering career.

Williams took control from the very first frame, combining his trademark calm with ruthless precision to race into a 7–1 lead in the opening session.

Breaks of 75 and 72 set the tone before he delivered a century in the first frame of the afternoon to edge within touching distance of victory.

By the time he cleared up in the 13th frame with a composed break of 61, there was little doubt that history was about to be made.

Williams’ triumph is his 27th career ranking title, moving him to within one of Steve Davis, and extends his remarkable record of winning tournaments in five consecutive decades — his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and now 50s.

At 50 years and 206 days, Williams surpasses Ray Reardon’s long-standing record as the oldest player to win a ranking event.

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Reardon was 50 years and 14 days when he captured the Professional Players Tournament in 1982, but Williams has now eclipsed that mark by almost seven months.

“This one feels special,” Williams said after sealing the £177,000 top prize.

“It’s not easy keeping up with the young lads these days, but I’m still enjoying the game and still competing. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

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At 50, Mark Williams has become snooker's oldest ranking event winner after victory over Shaun Murphy at the Xi'an Grand Prix

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