Holy hell, we're finally here! The World Snooker Championship is coming to its nail-biting conclusion, and I've already canceled two dinner plans to make sure I don't miss a second of it.

Last night was INSANE. Mark Williams somehow managed to topple world number one Judd Trump 17-14 in what my dad called "the best semi-final since 2002" (though he says that about something every year). The Welshman looked absolutely spent afterward but still managed that little smirk he always does when he knows he's just done something special.

The Old Guard vs The New Kid

Williams is gunning for his fourth world title at the ripe old age of... wait, how old is he now? 49? Good lord. If he pulls this off, he'll be the oldest champion in Crucible history. I remember watching him win his first back in 2000 when I was supposed to be studying for my GCSEs. My teacher wasn't impressed with my subsequent exam performance.

And then there's Zhao Xintong.

This kid is something else. The fact that he's made it to the final as an amateur is ridiculous. My brother-in-law (who thinks he's a snooker expert after watching two matches) texted me at 3am: "Asian players changing the game forever." He's not wrong though. Zhao could become the first Asian player to lift the trophy, which would be historic in every sense.

Why am I so invested in this?

I've spent the last two weeks glued to my screen, much to teh annoyance of my partner who doesn't understand how anyone can watch "grown men poking balls with sticks" for hours on end. Her words, not mine.

But there's £500,000 on the line! Half a million quid for the winner. That's more than my house cost in 2011 (though that says more about northern property prices than snooker prize money).

Watching Details (For Those Who Haven't Planned Their Entire Weekend Around This)

Sessions start at 1pm and 7pm today. I've already stocked the fridge with enough beer to make it through both.

You can catch it on BBC One and Two, or TNT Sports 1 and 3 if you're that way inclined. Personally, I can't stand some of TNT's commentators... but that's a rant for another day.

BBC iPlayer has it for free, which is what I'll be using since I'm at my mother-in-law's and she refuses to pay for any subscription services. "In my day we had four channels and were grateful!" Yes, Barbara, and you also had polio.

The Unpredictable Factor

What makes this final so fascinating is how different these two are. Williams with his unconventional technique that looks like he's casually leaning over a bar ordering a pint. Meanwhile, Zhao plays with this laser-like precision that makes me feel inadequate about every sporting endeavor I've ever attempted.

Listen. I've watched every World Championship since 1997, and this might be the most intriguing stylistic matchup we've had in years.

I'm not picking a favorite. Last time I did that (backing O'Sullivan in 2020), I lost £40 to my smug cousin who still brings it up at family gatherings.

Whatever happens, I'll be watching every frame. And probably tweeting things I'll regret tomorrow.