Mark Williams pictured 'punching' Zhao Xintong after World Championship final defeat

Zhao Xintong's management shared a behind-the-scenes picture of Mark Williams jokingly punching the new world champion after their Crucible final. The Chinese potter was on top throughout the one-sided affair and left his veteran opponent frustrated on numerous occasions, with Williams responding in jest backstage.

The Welshman was very gracious with his comments immediately after losing to Zhao, with the pair clearly in good spirits and full of respect for one another. That did not stop Williams posing for a photo to strike snooker's newest superstar.

Zhao's management, Victoria's Snooker Academy, posted the image on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: "Mark taking it well. Thanks for the great final and support @markwil147."

The light-hearted bust-up followed Williams threatening to come back from a near-impossible task in Sheffield. He started the final session trailing 17-8, with Zhao needing just one more frame to clinch the title.

The 50-year-old did win four frames in a row, his best run of form throughout the entire contest, but ultimately came up short as a new champion was crowned.

Speaking after losing, the Welsh Potting Machine said: "It's been a brilliant tournament for me. The support I've had for the past two weeks has been unbelievable.

"But what a potter Zhao is. I'm glad I'll be too old when he's dominating the game. I've got nothing but admiration for what he's done, coming through the qualifiers. He hasn't played for two years, bashed everybody up. There's a new superstar of the game."

Newly-crowned champion Zhao said: "I can't believe what I've done. It's very exciting. Thank you. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best. I'll have a good drink tonight to celebrate."