Stunning Upset: Sunny Akani Topples Mark Williams in World Open Qualifiers

Mark Williams, the world number six, will not feature in the televised stages of the 2025 World Open in Yushan after a surprising 5-2 defeat to Thailand’s Sunny Akani during the qualifying rounds. The matches concluded on Sunday, December 22, at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, where Akani delivered a standout performance against the seasoned Welshman.

Ranked 98th globally, Akani began strongly, winning the opening two frames and securing a stunning century break in the second. Although Williams responded with a spectacular 141 in the third frame, Akani maintained his composure to take the fourth, building a 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval. Williams clawed back the fifth frame, but the Thai player dominated the sixth and seventh to seal his victory and book his ticket to China.

The shock defeat adds to a turbulent week for Williams, who recently competed against Judd Trump in the quarter-finals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. That match saw Williams suffer a bizarre injury after slipping on a carpet, potentially impacting his readiness for the World Open qualifiers.

Meanwhile, other top players narrowly avoided upsets. Mark Allen and Mark Selby both survived final-frame deciders against Rory Thor and Artemijs Zizins, respectively, securing their spots in the tournament.

Akani’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, underscoring his potential to challenge higher-ranked opponents. For Williams, the unexpected loss is a setback, but it serves as a reminder of snooker’s unpredictability and the depth of talent in the sport.