SHEFFIELD, England (Reuters) -Chinese qualifier Zhao Xintong took an imposing 11-6 lead over Welshman Mark Williams on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre on Sunday.

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.