In the 98 years since Joe Davis became snooker’s first world champion, the famous old trophy has left the United Kingdom just five times. To Australia twice, the Republic of Ireland and Canada once, and most recently to Belgium two years ago when Luca Brecel became the first champion from continental Europe.

Zhao Xintong has dominated Mark Williams in the opening session of the world snooker championship final by running up a 7-1 lead in his bid to become the first Chinese winner of the sport’s biggest prize.