Mark Williams Oldest Snooker Ranking Winner: 50-Year-Old Triumph at Xi’an Grand Prix
Mark Williams made history on October 12, 2025, becoming the oldest snooker ranking event winner at 50 years and 206 days by defeating Shaun Murphy 10-3 in the Xi’an Grand Prix final. The three-time world champion’s clinical performance, including breaks of 127 and 122, secured his 27th ranking title, tying Steve Davis for second all-time behind Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 41. Williams’ victory surpassed Ray Reardon’s 50 years and 14 days record from 1982, marking his first win in his 50s after titles in his teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s. This Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner feat, at the Xi’an Grand Prix, underscores his enduring brilliance.
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner is a longevity masterclass. At 50, his 10-3 rout of Murphy cements his legacy as snooker’s timeless champion.
Williams’ Dominant Final
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner came via a 10-3 demolition of Murphy on October 12, 2025, at Xi’an’s Hanban International Snooker Center. Murphy, 43 and Masters champion, led briefly in sets two and three, but Williams won five final-leg deciders, showcasing composure.
Williams averaged 92.15, with six 50+ breaks, including 127 (frame 8) and 122 (frame 9). Murphy’s 93.61 average couldn’t overcome missed doubles. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner, his first since 2021 Scottish Open, earned £177,000.
Record-Breaking Legacy
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner surpasses Reardon’s 1982 Professional Players Tournament mark. Williams’ 27 titles place him second to O’Sullivan (41), ahead of Davis (28). His cross-decade wins—teenage UK Championship (1996), 20s Masters (1998), 30s UK (2002), 40s International Championship (2014)—are unique.
At 50 years 206 days, Williams is the oldest ranking winner since the tour’s 1975 start. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner inspires, proving age defies talent.
Murphy’s Resilient Effort
Shaun Murphy, chasing back-to-back titles after British Open (September 2025), fought valiantly in Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner. His 154 finish in set five sparked hope, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Murphy’s 93.61 average and 5 half-centuries showed class.
Yet, Williams’ 8-3 lead after session one was insurmountable. “I’m gutted,” Murphy said on Eurosport, October 12, 2025. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner denied Murphy a 6th major.
Tournament Journey
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner capped a flawless run. He beat Liang Wenbo 6-3 (round 1), Kyren Wilson 6-2 (last 16), Mark Selby 6-3 (quarters), and John Higgins 6-4 (semis). Williams’ 92% break-building success and 85% pot rate dominated.
The Xi’an Grand Prix, October 9-12, 2025, drew 5,000 fans daily. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner was the highlight, with £177,000 prize money.
Williams’ Cross-Decade Mastery
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner spans eras. His 1996 UK Championship at 18 was his first. The 1998 Masters at 21, 2002 UK at 31, 2014 International at 41, and 2025 Xi’an at 50 showcase adaptability.
Williams’ 1,000 century breaks and 25 maximums add to his haul. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner, at 50, defies retirement talk.
Fan and Pundit Praise
Fans celebrated Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner. “Timeless,” said supporter Emma on October 12, 2025. Pundits lauded his longevity. “A masterclass,” said John Virgo on BBC, October 12, 2025. Dennis Taylor added, “50 and winning majors—unheard of.”
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner inspired. “He’s snooker’s evergreen,” said Ronnie O’Sullivan on Instagram.
Looking Ahead: UK Championship
Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner primes the UK Championship on November 25-December 7, 2025, at York’s Barbican. Williams, a three-time winner, eyes another.
In conclusion, Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner on October 12, 2025, at 50 years 206 days, is legendary. His 10-3 Murphy rout and 27th title redefine age in snooker. Mark Williams oldest snooker ranking winner promises more magic.
