Champion of Champions: Mark Williams beats Neil Robertson to reach final against Xiao Guodong

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 £150,000 for the winner.

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