Champion Williams Upset by World No. 81 Thor in Stunning Defeat.

Snooker General

Champion Williams Upset by World No. 81 Thor in Stunning Defeat.

Defending British Open champion Mark Williams faced a surprising 4-1 loss to Malaysian world number 81 Rory Thor in the first round of this year's tournament at the Centaur in Cheltenham.

Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrew from the British Open on Monday, just hours before his first-round match against Manasawin Phetmalaikul. 

England's Lewis Ullah stepped in as his replacement.

Rory Thor, 36, took an early lead against three-time world champion Mark Williams, winning the first three frames, including a break of 85 in the second. 

Williams managed to win one frame, but Thor maintained his composure in the fifth to secure his spot in the second round.