Mark Williams produced a last-gasp fightback at the China Open in Shanghai to end a 17-month run without a title with a 9-8 win over Anthony Hamilton. Hamilton, who arrived in China 28th in the provisional world rankings, built an 8-5 lead and Williams looked set to fall victim to a major upset.
But, on the threshold of collecting the £62,500 prize and winning his first leading tournament in 11 years as a professional, Hamilton froze. He scored only 35 points in the following three frames and squandered two golden chances in the decider before Williams stepped in with a 63 break to finally re-enter the winner's circle.
Since prevailing at the Grand Prix at Telford in October 2000, Williams has lost five finals and a further seven semi-finals without getting his hands on a trophy.
Only last month, the 26-year-old left-hander from Ebbw Vale was edged 10-9 by Paul Hunter in the Benson & Hedges Masters final after leading 5-0.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
