Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has captured the hearts of fans once more, following his emotional journey to this year’s World Snooker Championship final against China’s Zhao Xintong at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Despite a valiant effort, Williams ultimately fell 18-12 to his younger opponent, but the narrative surrounding his remarkable run and revealing pre-match comments has resonated across the sport.
Williams, now 50, defied the odds to reach this prestigious final, his path punctuated by a thrilling win over Judd Trump and an impressive quarter-final display against long-time rival John Higgins. Yet, his challenge for a fourth world title got off to a rocky start, as he found himself trailing 7-1, and then 17-8 entering the final session. Nonetheless, Williams displayed characteristic resilience, clawing back four frames in quick succession to pose a late challenge before Zhao sealed victory.
In a poignant exchange just moments before the final showdown, Williams confided in Paul Collier, former world championship referee and now tournament director, admitting that this may be his last appearance in the iconic one-table set-up of the Crucible. Collier, himself a well-regarded Welshman and recently retired from refereeing, later recounted the moment on social media, saying, “He told me at the top of the stairs that it could be the last time he walks into a one-table set at the Crucible. So he was going to enjoy every second. Fair play to him!”
Such reflections underscore the emotional significance these moments hold for both players and officials in the world of snooker, and highlight Williams’ appreciation for the journey rather than just the result. As he entered the final session, Williams channelled his emotion into his game, making a late surge and briefly turning what seemed a certainty into a competitive contest. His appearance in the final also marks him out as the oldest player to reach that stage in snooker’s modern era—a testament to his enduring class.
After the final, Williams spoke candidly about his performance and his opponent’s prowess. He admitted, “Unfortunately, I was just never in the final from day one. I was behind from the start and could not get into it. I said if I could get out of the first session at 5-3 down, it would have been a result, but I was 7-1 down and it was a bit far for me to get back.” Williams added his congratulations to Zhao, a player tipped by many to dominate the sport in the years to come, and remarked light-heartedly that he would be “too old” to contest with Zhao at his peak.
Williams went on to praise Zhao’s journey to the title, acknowledging the extraordinary nature of reaching the pinnacle after emerging from the qualifiers and not having competed professionally for two years. “He’s bashed everybody up. There’s a new superstar of the game,” Williams observed, adding his admiration for the Chinese star’s achievement.
The Welshman’s remarks have fuelled speculation that his career may be nearing its twilight, with some suggesting a swansong could be imminent. This sense has been reinforced by recent social media activity, where Williams hinted at plans to compete in the World Seniors Championship in the future. Although absent from this year’s event, which now welcomes professionals over 45 not conflicted by World Snooker Tour commitments, Williams posted optimistically, “I should be there, next year,” along with a photograph of himself as a spectator at the tournament.
For now, Williams leaves the Crucible with his head held high, having once again demonstrated not just his technical prowess, but his passion for the sport and humility in defeat. His journey stands as an inspiration, showing that the spirit and drama of the game are as vital as the trophies themselves. With Williams considering the next chapter of his storied career, attention now turns to the sport’s new generation, embodied by Zhao, as snooker continues to evolve on the world stage.
Whatever the future holds, Mark Williams’ legacy as one of the sport’s iconic figures is assured, his recent exploits ensuring his place in snooker folklore for years to come.