**Mark Williams Leaves BBC Studio in Hysterics After Nerve-Shredding Victory Over John Higgins**
In what can only be described as a World Snooker Championship classic, Mark Williams edged out his long-time rival John Higgins in a dramatic quarter-final at the Crucible Theatre, thrilling the watching public and leaving the BBC pundits – and audience – in stitches with his unforgettable post-match comments.
The encounter was one of the most gripping in recent championship history. Williams, hailing from Cwm in Wales, surged to a 12-8 lead, looking set to cruise into the semi-finals. Yet Higgins, showing the resilience and class that has defined his own illustrious career, fought back with four consecutive frames, forcing a nervy decider that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The tension in the final frame was palpable. After a tense tactical battle, Higgins held a slender 69-56 advantage with only the blue, pink, and black balls left on the table. The Scot had what appeared a decisive opportunity, finding himself with a shot at match-ball blue. However, to the astonishment of those present, he rattled the jaws of the yellow pocket, letting the ball stay out – a costly miss that handed Williams a glimmer of hope.
Never one to flinch under pressure, the veteran Welsh potter calmly cleared the remaining colours, sealing a dramatic 13-12 victory and booking his place in the semi-finals. This achievement not only underscored his remarkable composure, but also served as a reminder of his enduring class on the world stage.
The buzz carried over into the BBC studio. As Williams made his way in, he was met with rapturous applause from both pundits and spectators. John Parrott, a former world champion himself, was amongst the first to congratulate the three-time world champion. When Ken Doherty, another ex-champion, asked Williams to describe how he held his nerve on the decisive pot, Williams replied with trademark cheek: “Balls of steel!” The whole studio erupted in laughter, prompting Williams to add, “Am I allowed to say that?!”
This off-the-cuff humour has become something of a hallmark for Williams, well-known for his laid-back approach and wry wit. However, beneath the jokes lies a competitor of rare mental fortitude. “There wasn’t one bit of nerves, I don’t really get that,” Williams reflected when pressed about the pressure of the moment. He went on, “My nerves are maybe going a bit quick or a bit too powerful with the cue, not shaking or my heart pounding. Never, or maybe only a handful of times in my whole career.”
Despite his confident display, Williams has privately struggled with deteriorating eyesight in recent times. The 50-year-old revealed before the championships that he’s scheduled an eye operation in June, and had experimented with contact lenses ahead of the tournament, only to find little improvement. His difficulties were not lost on Doherty, who teased Williams following his win: “Not bad for a blind man!” To which Williams quipped, “I have got a big decision to make now, haven’t I? Do I cancel my op? I don’t know! I haven’t played with glasses yet – that was my next step, the big Dennis Taylor glasses. I’ve tried contacts and struggled with them. Still, I’m doing all right half blind, you know?”
Williams also spoke candidly about the physical and mental demands of competing at the top level, particularly as age becomes a factor. After a gruelling late night the previous day, the Welshman admitted it was a struggle to motivate himself for the decider. Yet, in a typically light-hearted revelation, he discovered an unlikely source of inspiration: Tom Jones. “I was drained this morning, to be honest,” Williams said. “We had two tough sessions and didn’t finish until about half ten, eleven last night. Coming back this morning I was feeling drained. I just kept playing Tom Jones – ‘Delilah’ and ‘A Boy From Nowhere’ – over and over as I was getting ready.”
He added, “In the dressing room, I was still playing them and singing along, just trying to stay in the moment. It’s tough out there, especially as you get older. Playing all day, then waking up and playing all morning… it gets tougher.”
For fans, Williams’ combination of skill, humour, and humility continues to delight. His latest victory and colourful post-match interview not only earned plaudits from pundits but also reminded everyone why he remains one of snooker’s true personalities. As he eyes a fourth world title, few would bet against another memorable appearance in the Crucible’s final stages.