Snooker: Williams keeps up run

Mark Williams won the Thailand Masters title for the third time in four years yesterday, beating Stephen Lee 9-4 in the final to follow on from his triumph in last week's China Open.

Williams secured the £67,500 first prize in Bangkok, which will help further ease the pain after his 10-9 defeat to Paul Hunter in last month's Benson and Hedges Masters at Wembley. He said: "I couldn't possibly expect anything like this after Wembley. I was beginning to think I didn't have what it takes to win any more. But once those thoughts were gone I came here under no pressure, and that's why I played so well."

The Welshman quickly built a 3-0 lead andhad first chance in the fourth but he missed a short-range red. Lee came back to take it and then fired in a 69 break to trail only 3-2.

However, after putting together a break of 47, Williams re-established a two-frame cushion at 4-2. He then stretched his advantage to 6-2 and controlled frame nine before producing his highest break of the match – a 90 clearance – to forge 8-2 ahead. Lee fashioned a brave 50 clearance and added the 12th game but Williams wrapped up the match.