Jimmy White supports ‘top player’ Gary Wilson as he aims to advance to the top at the World Championship after winning the Wales Open

After waiting 18 years to win his first ranking event, his win in Wales was his third in 15 months, following back-to-back Scottish Open titles.

He holds two Home Nations titles with Judd Trump and Eurosport expert Whyte believes he has proven he belongs in such illustrious company.

“The damage was done in the first session when we were up 4-0,” White said. “Martin was always trying to catch up, but he never had a chance of making it to the final.

“He had some chances and could have taken it to 7-5, but Gary has proven he’s a great match player. And if he gets back to his… Gary probably had some left in the tank. He’s a great player.

“That performance against John Higgins in the first three frames is something you’ve seen a lot from Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby. , showing that he is a top scorer and a truly dangerous player.

“I think he will definitely do well at this year’s World Championships.”

Alan McManus echoed White’s sentiments, pointing to Wilson’s run of three ranking titles as proof he is one of the best in the world.

“There are only a few tournaments left this season, but he’s ranked around fourth or fifth this season with two wins, and that’s no surprise.

“This is not like he cheated on the draw and somehow found his way into the final and got through it.

“He won the Scottish Cup and the three Home Nations finals he has won, leading 6-2 going into the evening session in all of them, winning almost every match by a canter. If you’re a top player, that’s all you can do. ”

It was far from a typical final, with both players struggling to get used to the rhythm. O’Donnell, who was aiming for his first title, at times looked overwhelmed by the opportunity, but Wilson was relying on his experience to draw on.

He entered the evening session with a 6-2 lead and, despite being well below his glittering best, never seemed to be pushed back.

The Englishman, who is often his own biggest critic, admitted it would not be a match he would remember too fondly, but he hopes to quickly return to the winner’s circle after his success in Edinburgh last December. Naturally, I was happy to be able to do so.

“Overall I’m very happy with it,” Wilson said. “I think a lot of things happened today. The ball probably didn’t go the same way it did yesterday. We started well, but we got a little shaky and made some mistakes.

“I lost my cue in the last few frames, but overall I’m happy with it. It was a little disappointing that I couldn’t play a little better today, but Martin did his best. It was a tough battle. Our safety play was really good, even though we missed a few balls.

“I put him in the right position and kept hitting the cushion. And continued to play solid even through the pain.

“If I’m very critical of myself, there’s no one to look back on. I don’t look back on this and think, ‘That was a great final,’ but what’s important is the trophy.”