**Mark Williams Stands Apart in ‘Class of ’92’ Debate, Praises Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Superiority**
Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has given a frank assessment of the well-known comparison that ties him to fellow greats Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, saying he has grown weary of the so-called ‘Class of ’92’ label which has followed their careers for decades. His comments, made in the wake of a dramatic quarter-final victory at the World Snooker Championship, have shed light on how he truly feels about being grouped together with two of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
Williams, now aged 50, edged past Scottish rival John Higgins in a tense, high-quality contest at the Crucible, eventually taking the deciding frame to clinch a 13-12 triumph. The nail-biting win secures his place in the semi-finals, where he will soon face either Lucas Brecel or Judd Trump in his quest for a fourth world title.
O’Sullivan, meanwhile, remains in contention for his record-breaking eighth world championship as he prepares to face Si Jiahui, aiming to join Williams in the last four. Yet, much of the focus off the table has been on Williams’ honest evaluation of his and his rivals’ legacies.
The ‘Class of ’92’ moniker has long referenced Williams, Higgins and O’Sullivan’s shared professional debuts and subsequent careers at the top of the game. The phrase draws parallels to Manchester United’s famous academy graduates and tennis’ ‘Big Three’. However, Williams told SportsBoom that he finds the comparison uncomfortable, particularly given O’Sullivan’s dominance in snooker’s major tournaments.
“I’ve never really liked it,” Williams admitted. “I’ve always said them two [O’Sullivan and Higgins], they’re the two best players in the world ever. Ronnie, by far the best, and John the second-best player ever for me, and I’ve always said that. I don’t really like being classed with them because I think they’re much higher than me.”
The statistics certainly underline Williams’ point. Between them, the three have amassed a staggering 100 ranking titles, 39 Triple Crown wins and 14 world championships. O’Sullivan, though, leads the pack with seven world titles—equal with legend Stephen Hendry—41 ranking victories, and 23 Triple Crown successes, making him arguably the most decorated player in the sport’s history.
Williams suggested that O’Sullivan himself might also tire of the association, given the gap in accolades. “I think Ronnie’s probably the one who should be upset with the Class of ’92,” he said. “He’s so far in front of me and John. He probably gets sick of being in the class of 92, because he’s in his own class.”
Despite the mutual respect between the trio, Williams’ remarks reveal a layered dynamic rarely discussed so openly among sports icons. By acknowledging both the relentless comparisons and the individual achievements of each, especially O’Sullivan’s, Williams offers a refreshingly candid perspective on living in the shadow of a generational talent.
Nonetheless, the media and fans alike show little sign of abandoning the ‘Class of ’92’ narrative. Williams himself, aware of its enduring popularity, wryly remarked, “People like mentioning the class of 92, and I can’t get away from it.”
As the World Championship unfolds and Britain’s snooker legends continue to captivate audiences, Williams’ honest words serve as a reminder of the pressures—and the pride—that come from sharing an era with some of the sport’s finest competitors. The debate about individual greatness will likely endure long after the final ball is potted.