It was the first time the old rivals had met in a major final since the China Open in 2000 when O’Sullivan completed a 9-3 victory.
Williams moves up two places in the latest world rankings, above Shaun Murphy and Ding Junhui, to earn himself a place in the bottom half of the draw for the sport’s biggest event which begins on April 20 and runs until May 6 at the Crucible Theatre.
That means he could be on course for a potential rematch with fellow ‘Class of ’92’ icon O’Sullivan at the Crucible if both men reach the semi-finals of the World Championship.
Brecel will begin his title defence on the opening morning of the tournament, but must wait to discover his opponent from the 16 qualifiers who make it through to the last-32 draw.
“I am going there with a chance, this win gives me more confidence,” Williams told reporters. “I wouldn’t say I am one of the favourites, but I might be a decent outside bet.”
Williams could also meet Judd Trump in the quarter-finals following his 10-4 win against the world No. 2 in the quarter-finals of the Tour Championship.
Meanwhile, the World Championship qualifiers begin on April 8 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield with former Crucible qualifier Michael Holt opening his campaign against Xing Zihao needing to win four matches to reach the main event later this month.
World Championship top 16 seedings
- 1. Luca Brecel (Bel)
- 2. Ronnie O’Sullivan (Eng)
- 3. Judd Trump (Eng)
- 4. Mark Allen (NI)
- 5. Mark Selby (Eng)
- 6. Mark Williams (Wal)
- 7. Ding Junhui (Chn)
- 8. Shaun Murphy (Eng)
- 9. Ali Carter (Eng)
- 10. Gary Wilson (Eng)
- 11. Zhang Anda (Chn)
- 12. Kyren Wilson (Eng)
- 13. John Higgins (Sco)
- 14. Tom Ford (Eng)
- 15. Barry Hawkins (Eng)
- 16. Robert Milkins (Eng)