**Mark Williams Jests “None of It Is Mine” After £200,000 Snooker Windfall**
Welsh snooker veteran Mark Williams has jokingly declared that he won’t see a penny of the substantial £200,000 he received as runner-up in the prestigious Saudi Arabian Masters. Despite narrowly missing the top prize in a hard-fought 10-8 defeat to Judd Trump, Williams’ on-table success has come with some wry reflection on the realities of big tournament earnings.
The 50-year-old, who made history by becoming the oldest finalist in the modern era of the World Snooker Championship, played down his financial gain in typically light-hearted fashion. Speaking candidly after his defeat, Williams quipped: “£100,000 goes to her (his wife, Joanne) and £100,000 goes to the tax man.” His humour struck a chord with fans and fellow players alike, shining a light on how prize money is swiftly split once celebrations subside.
Williams’ impressive run in Saudi Arabia adds another chapter to his storied career. Just days afterwards, he pulled off a significant semi-final victory against Judd Trump at the World Snooker Championship, prevailing 17-14 in a tension-filled encounter at the Crucible Theatre. The win not only booked his place in the final but also placed him on the cusp of a remarkable fourth world title.
“I was starting to twitch towards the end, I’m not going to lie,” Williams told BBC Sport after clinching his final berth. “I nearly missed the black in the last frame—I did feel a bit of tension on the back arm. I’m never normally nervous at any stage but I was in that break. I can’t believe I’m in another final—I don’t know how I’m doing it, to be honest.”
His opponent in the final, China’s Zhao Xintong, stands as the last obstacle between Williams and another world crown. Zhao made a statement of intent in the other semi-final, dispatching Ronnie O’Sullivan with a commanding 17-7 scoreline, a result that brought an end to O’Sullivan’s pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world championship.
Judd Trump, who had to settle for second-best in the semi-final against Williams, was magnanimous in defeat. “Mark was the more consistent player throughout and in the end really deserved the win,” Trump told reporters. “There are no negatives, I tried my heart out, and just ran out of steam. Any other player apart from Mark and I probably would have been in the final, so you just have to take your hat off to him—he was too good over the three days. I’ll try to improve for next year.”
For Ronnie O’Sullivan, the 2025 championship marked a sobering crossroads. Reflecting on his defeat, the seven-time world champion hinted at a major life change, revealing his intention to move out of the United Kingdom. “I think I’m going to be moving out of the UK this year. A new life somewhere else. I’ll still try and play snooker but I don’t know what the future looks like for me really,” said O’Sullivan. “I’ve got to try and figure out what my future looks like, whether it’s playing or not.”
The industry’s top players often reveal that tournament wins sometimes offer less financial windfall than fans expect, as taxes and other commitments claim large shares of prize pots. Williams’ humour on the subject has added a relatable dimension to the conversation, demonstrating both his experience and his ability to keep things in perspective.
As Williams prepares to contest for his fourth world title, the snooker world waits with anticipation. His journey from Saudi runner-up to Crucible finalist within a single season already cements his enduring place in the sport’s rich tapestry, and regardless of the outcome, his sense of humour remains undimmed.