God. I've seen some classy losers in my time covering snooker, but Mark Williams just took it to another level after his World Championship final defeat. The 50-year-old Welshman - who I've watched since I was barely tall enough to see over a snooker table - showed why he's the sport's ultimate character Monday night.

After getting thoroughly outplayed by China's new sensation Zhao Xintong at the Crucible, Williams could've sulked off into the Sheffield night. Instead? The mad lad posed for photos pretending to punch his conqueror in the face. Classic Willo.

The Punch That Had Everyone Laughing

I was watching the final with my dad (lifelong Williams fan) when we both nearly spat out our tea seeing the post-match photos. There's Williams, smiling away, with his fist jokingly raised to Zhao's face while the new champion clutched the trophy Williams so desperately wanted.

It was teh perfect encapsulation of why fans adore him.

One supporter summed it up perfectly: "Never change, Willo!!" alongside a laughing emoji. Another called him "a class act" while praising Zhao's achievement.

Wait... Who Is This Zhao Guy Anyway?

For those who haven't been paying attention (where have you been?), Zhao Xintong just made history as China's first-ever world snooker champion. The achievement is absolutely massive.

What makes it even more remarkable? The guy hadn't played for TWO YEARS before this tournament and had to battle through qualifiers. Then proceeded to dismantle Ronnie O'Sullivan, Williams, and basically everyone else who dared pick up a cue against him.

My colleague texted me during the final: "We're watching the birth of a dynasty here." I think he might be right.

Williams at 50: Still Making Us Smile

I remember interviewing Williams back in 2018 after his third world title. He showed up to the press conference half-cut and promised to do his next interview naked if he won again. That's just who he is.

Even in defeat, the 50-year-old veteran was pure entertainment. "Let's see where I am in the ranking at 60," he quipped after the match. "I am still playing quite good stuff. Even though it's a bit blurry."

That last line killed me. Typical self-deprecating Williams humor.

The Emotional Crucible Farewell

There was actually a genuinely touching moment amid all the jokes.

Williams admitted the crowd reception nearly brought him to tears. "It was unbelievable, the reception I have had all week, but tonight it was special. Everybody was on their feet and it was like a tear to the eye."

I've spent about $4K following the tournament this year (don't tell my wife), and even from my seat you could feel the wave of affection washing over him.

Is Zhao the Next Big Thing?

Williams certainly thinks so. "What a potter he is over there," he said of Zhao. "I'm glad I will be too old when he's dominating the game."

The Welshman added: "There's a new superstar of the game and here's over there."

Listen. I've been covering snooker for 15 years and I've seen plenty of "next big things" come and go. But something about Zhao feels different.

The way he dismantled the field after two years away... it's scary.

The Punch Line

So there we have it. Williams loses the biggest prize in snooker and responds by fake-punching the winner. And somehow makes everyone love him even more.

I bumped into one of the tournament officials at the hotel bar afterward. His response when I mentioned the photo: "Only Williams could lose a world final and still be the main character."

Ain't that the truth.