March 11, 2002	Monday	Zilhaj 26, 1422

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BANGKOK, March 10: Welsh wizard Mark J. Williams Sunday carved out more than one milestone for himself when he tamed England’s Stephen Lee 9-4 to land the 2002 Thailand Masters crown at the Merchant Court Hotel.

The world No. 1 Williams became the first player to win both China Open and Thailand Masters in the same season. He also became the only player to win three ranking titles in the Kingdom. His earlier victories in Thailand were recorded in 1999 and 2000.

Lee, ranked No. 8 in the world, had nightmare Sunday morning when he lost the tip of his cue while practicing for the showdown and could never get going in the final against the inform Welshman.

Williams had breaks of 78 and 64 to go three frames, but Lee hit back to pull a couple back. However, Williams continued potting with ease and cruised to a handsome 6-2 lead at the end of the first eight-frame session.

Lee put up a semblance of a fight back in the later half of the second session and cut down Williams’ lead from 8-2 to 8-4, but Williams just did enough to walk away with the 13th frame and the match.

Earlier Sunday, in the battle between the two top ranked players on Saturday, it was Williams who came out on top.

Williams defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-2 in the semifinals. The Rocket showed flashes of genius tonight but missed too many straightforward balls.

Lee of England defeated Mathew Stevens of Wales 5-2 in the other semifinal Saturday.