Mark Williams’ bold promise ahead of World Championship
Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has made quite the promise ahead of this year’s World Championship – he’ll run stark naked down the M4 from London to Cardiff if he clinches a fourth world title, reports BritPanorama.
The 51-year-old from Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, is set to begin his campaign tomorrow at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield against qualifier Antoni Kowalski. Should he triumph, the Welshman would make history by overtaking Ronnie O’Sullivan as the oldest ever world champion.
“I’d do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you’re less likely to win it,” Williams told the BBC. It’s a bold claim, but Williams has form for following through on his outlandish promises. Back in 2018, after defeating John Higgins 17-15 in the final to add to his 2000 and 2003 triumphs, he appeared completely starkers at his post-match press conference.
He joked at the time, “It’s cold in here, init,” while preserving his modesty with just a towel. Following that, he even threatened to cartwheel around naked if he won again the following year – thankfully for everyone involved, that didn’t happen.
Currently facing more than just tough opponents, Williams has been dealing with deteriorating eyesight and is considering lens replacement surgery, though he’s understandably cautious about the risks involved. “If it goes wrong, that’s the end. That’s the only thing stopping me,” he explained, noting concerns about a similar surgery that ended former player Anthony Hamilton’s career due to glare from TV lights.
Additionally, Williams revealed earlier this year that he’s been struggling with the yips, the condition where players suddenly lose the ability to execute basic skills. “I’m like a paranoid mess at the minute,” he admitted, but remains remarkably grounded about his prospects. “I’m still fighting. I’m still trying and that’s all I can say,” he reflected. “I try my best in every tournament and if you win, great, if you lose, that’s not the end of the world.”
Currently sitting sixth in the world rankings at 51, he’s already defied expectations by becoming the oldest ranking event winner last October at the Xi’an Grand Prix. Retirement? Not a chance. “Let’s see where I am in the rankings at 55, that’ll be interesting,” he said.
Williams faces Kowalski on Saturday, with a potential final on 4 May. The coming days promise a delightful mix of expectation and unpredictability for a player who, regardless of the outcome, continues to breathe life into the sport with his larger-than-life personality.
