Event of the Day: World Championship Snooker Final
Our event of the day is the final day of the World Championship in snooker at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Following Sunday’s action, the best-of-35 frames final has Mark Williams of Wales leading 10-7 over John Higgins from Scotland. Williams, twice a world champion (in 2000 and 2003), started the duel on the front foot taking the first four frames for a 4-0 lead. Before the end of the first session, Higgins, four-time world champion himself (in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011) and last year’s finalist, managed to cut his lead to 5-3. During the evening session, the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ even caught up with Williams at 7-7, but then the Welshman upped his game again to gain a three-frames lead ahead of the decisive day.
Higgins and Williams already made history by reaching the final, as for the first time both participants of the title match are older than 40 years of age and their combined years of age (85) is the highest ever – Higgins is 42, Williams 43. They also have a massive 50 ranking titles between them - the Scotsman has 30 and the ‘Welsh Potting Machine’ has 20. Higgins holds the upper hand in their meetings so far with 20 victories compared to 17 for Williams. The Welshman made it to the final for the first time since his 2003 triumph, thus making the longest gap between two World Championship final appearances. Along the way he has made ten centuries and lost 35 frames, while Higgins has made seven centuries and lost 33 frames. It’s all open in the grand finale at the famous Crucible. Who will prevail today and lift the trophy?
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA Playoffs Game 4 of the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Celtics have a 3-0 lead and will look to complete a clean sweep over the Sixers. It’s Day 2 of the ATP and WTA World Tour Mutua Madrid Open at the Madrid Caja Magica. The natch of the day in the men’s singles tournament is the clash between the Japanese player Kei Nishikori and Novak Djokovic. In the MLB, the Cincinnati Reds take on the New York Mets at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. It’s the fourth and final day of the County Championship Division One match between Surrey and Worcestershire at the Oval in London. In the Indian Premier League, the Sunrisers Hyderabad face the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by World Snooker