Mark Williams praised for what he said moments after losing to Zhao Xintong in World Championship final

Mark Williams has been praised for what he said moments after losing 18-12 to Zhao Xintong in the final of the World Snooker Championship.

The three-time champion became the oldest player ever to reach the final, at 50, when he defeated Judd Trump in the semi-final.

But 'The Welsh Potting Machine' struggled to live with Zhao on day one, with the Chinese star - who had to play eight matches, including qualifying, to get to the final - racing into a 7-1 lead at the end of the first session.

That turned into 11-6 overnight and 17-8 at the end of the third session, with Zhao needed just one more frame to clinch glory in the evening session.

But Williams threatened an astonishing comeback by winning all four frames prior to the mid-session interval.

He then missed a red in the next frame to give Zhao a chance, and he produced an incredible near-clearance to lift the trophy for the first time.

Williams, who was clearly emotional upon entry to the main Crucible table, did not add to his three World Championships - but the crowd showed their appreciation for one of snooker's all-time greats.

And after the match, the 50-year-old gave his respect to new champion Zhao in his post-match interview with BBC's Hazel Irvine.

He said: "What a potter he is over there. 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. He's bashed Ronnie up, he's bashed me up, he's bashed everybody up.

"What can you say? There's a new superstar of the game, and he's over there.

"The night belongs to him, and congratulations."

On his own emotions, Williams added: "It's unbelievable, the reception I've had [from the crowds] all week. But tonight was something special.

"When I was stood on those steps there, when they were all on their feet, it was a tear to the eye, you know."