Williams beats Robertson to set up Xiao final

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Mark Williams has reached the Champion of Champions final for the first time

Mark Williams convincingly beat Neil Robertson 6-2 to set up a Champion of Champions final against Xiao Guodong in Bolton.

Three-time world champion Williams moved into a 4-0 lead in the best-of-11 semi-final before Robertson hit back with a break of 78 to win the fifth frame.

A superb clearance of 132 from Welshman Williams restored his four-frame lead before Robertson compiled a 68 to win frame seven.

But the Australian could not launch a comeback, with Williams sealing victory in the next frame with a break of 66.

Williams will face China's Xiao in the best-of-19 final on Sunday from 13:00 GMT, with 拢150,000 for the winner.

Xiao has beaten Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and 2023 champion Mark Allen on his way to the final.