Mark Williams v Ding Junhui live stream | Tour Championship 2025 Preview
Williams and Ding do battle once more on Monday (Every Second Media/Alamy Live News)
Mark Williams begins the defence of his Tour Championship title when he locks horns with Ding Junhui in the opening round on Monday.
The pair face off for the third time already in 2025 – and second tournament in succession, with Williams a 6-2 winner at the Players Championship a fortnight ago.
The Welshman enjoyed a memorable run to the title last year. After producing a sensational 66 clearance to edge out Tom Ford on the black in round one, he swept Judd Trump aside 10-4 in the quarter-finals.
He then won nine successive frames on the way to a 10-5 victory over Mark Allen, before reeling off seven frames on the spin from 5-3 down to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan by the same scoreline in the final.
Williams, who turned 50 last month, would love to repeat those exploits 12 months on, though his form in recent times has been badly affected by eyesight problems, which has seen him fall at the first hurdle in four of his last six events.
The three-time World champion will trial contact lenses this week in an attempt to address the issue, especially with the Crucible also on the horizon.
Ding is also seeking an upturn in fortunes, having suffered back-to-back first-round exits while recording just one victory in his two previous appearances at this event.
The Dragon, who turns 38 on Tuesday, did return to winner’s circle at the International Championship last November, but that represents his only venture beyond the last 16 of any ranking tournament this season.
It promises to be another intriguing clash between two players seeking a return to form, with World champion Kyren Wilson awaiting the winner in the Tour Championship quarter-finals.
The match breaks off with the opening eight frames at 7pm BST on Monday, before playing to a conclusion at the same time on Tuesday at Manchester Central.
How to watch Mark Williams v Ding Junhui live stream
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