Mark Williams has expressed his apprehension regarding upcoming eye surgery, fearing that the necessary corrective treatment could prematurely end his incredibly competitive snooker career, despite ongoing visual difficulties, reports BritPanorama.
The three-time world champion, now 50, has been candid about the deterioration in his eyesight, noting that “every single shot seems blurry” and acknowledging that “my eyes have gone.” This admission highlights the severity of his condition, calling into question his future in the sport.
Even with declining vision, Williams remains a resilient competitor on the circuit, which has only intensified his trepidation regarding medical intervention. He had initially scheduled lens-replacement surgery earlier this year but chose to postpone the procedure after unexpectedly reaching the World Championship final in May, marking his fifth appearance at the Crucible.
Since then, he has delayed the surgery on three additional occasions. Now, as he prepares for this year’s UK Championship, Williams faces a critical choice: to proceed with surgery that he knows is needed or to continue competing despite a level of visual distortion that has impacted his performance. “My eyes are getting worse. Every five, six months I can notice them getting worse,” he stated.
In efforts to adapt to his condition, Williams has practised extensively with former professional Lee Walker, seeking to modify his technique. He explained, “If something is really close to going in, I can’t see if it goes or not.” He noted that this visual impairment has already cost him frames due to misjudgments on shots. “I’ve done it a few times now. It’s cost me frames where I don’t think it goes and then the other player gets on the same shot and he just pots it.”
Despite recognising the potential necessity of surgery, Williams revealed his intense fear of possible complications. “What can I say? I’m afraid to get it done,” he admitted. He had planned to go through with it in November but has since postponed until January, stating, “if I do it and it doesn’t go well, that’s the end of my career.”
Interestingly, Williams’ track record remains impressive even amidst these eye troubles. “For some reason, even though I’m struggling with my eyes, I’m still doing alright,” he remarked, recalling having won a tournament earlier this year at 50. However, reaching the final at the World Championship against Zhao Xintong disrupted his resolve to undergo surgery, causing him to rethink his situation.
“Probably getting to the final of the World Championship against Zhao Xintong probably did me in a bit,” he noted, reflecting on the impact it had on his decision-making process. He has stated that he will only commit to surgery if there is a collapse in his performance. “If my form really goes downhill and I can’t win a game, I’ll get it done,” he vowed, although he remains hesitant about drastic changes at this stage.
Williams’ willingness to discuss his struggles has drawn a mixed response, with some critics questioning how a player with such severe sight issues can continue achieving high-level performance. However, he remains unfazed by scepticism, expressing a blunt disregard for outside opinions: “Honestly, I couldn’t give a s**t. Who cares what other people think? I don’t. All I can say is I don’t wear glasses every day for the fun of it.”
In the world of snooker, where precision is key, Williams’ journey stands as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of a player determined to navigate the complexities of physical limitations while remaining competitive. His situation encapsulates how, in sport, brilliance can often coexist with personal struggle.
