AFTER EIGHT MINT

Williams may have thrashed the Rocket but he says Ronnie's desire to top Hendry makes him favourite at Crucible

- SHANE MACDERMOTT

MARK WILLIAMS believes Ronnie O'Sullivan is still the man to beat at the World Championship despite thrashing him in the Tour Championship final.

The three-time world champion downed the Rocket 10-5 in their first ranking showpiece for 24 years in Manchester on Sunday night.

Welsh potting machine Williams rattled off seven frames in a row from 5-3 down to deny the world No.1 a sixth title of the season as he landed a 26th ranking crown of his own career in fine style.

But O'Sullivan is still the bookies' favourite to clinch a record eighth Crucible crown when the sport returns to its spiritual Sheffield home on April 20.