**Mark Williams Secures Place in World Snooker Final and Issues On-Air Apology After Live TV Expletive**
Mark Williams, one of snooker’s most enduring figures, dramatically booked his place in the World Snooker Championship final with a superb 17–14 triumph over world number one Judd Trump. The Welsh veteran, affectionately nicknamed “The Welsh Potting Machine” by fans, put on a clinical display at the Crucible, managing to hold his nerve in a pulsating encounter that captivated snooker enthusiasts across the globe.
The 50-year-old former world champion showed all his trademark composure and skill throughout the contest. Williams stormed into an impressive lead during Saturday night’s session and, despite a spirited comeback from Trump, maintained his advantage to set up a tantalising final clash against China’s Zhao Xintong.
Relief and exhaustion were evident in Williams’s post-match interview, broadcast live in the BBC studio with presenter Seema Jaswal and snooker legend Stephen Hendry. During a candid reflection on the match’s nerve-wracking concluding moments, Williams inadvertently uttered a mild expletive while discussing how tense he felt during a crucial break. Realising the slip immediately, he swiftly apologised on air, showing both his humility and unfiltered honesty in the emotional aftermath of the match.
Williams described the tension he experienced in his final frame, particularly when attempting what should have been a routine black. “I was starting to twitch towards the end. The last frame, I nearly missed the black,” he confessed. Detailing how his shot wobbled precariously before falling in, he explained, “I wasn’t sure because I didn’t really play for a red, I just thought to pot the black and go up for the blue. But I did feel a bit of tension in the back arm and I thought, ‘S**t, I’ve missed it!’. Oh, sorry!” Williams immediately apologised for the language as the presenters and audience laughed off the slip.
Remarkably, Williams revealed that the pressure of the occasion had affected him physically—a rare admission from a player renowned for his calm under fire. “I knew Judd would have cleared up if I did miss it. It frightened the life out of me! I am never usually nervous but I was during that break. This arm, I don’t know what it was doing!” he added, referencing his usually reliable technique.
Looking ahead to the final, Williams allowed himself a moment of reflection and pride. “I can’t believe I’m in another final,” he said. “I don’t know how I’m doing it. How am I competing with the number one player in the world, who wins six tournaments a year, over three days? I’ve got to be proud of myself.” His comments highlight the ongoing competitive spirit that has defined his extensive career.
When Williams takes to the table for the championship match, he will become the oldest Crucible finalist in history—a testament to his longevity and enduring talent in a sport renowned for its demanding mental fortitude. His appointment with destiny will see him face off against talented Chinese star Zhao Xintong over Sunday and Monday in what promises to be a gripping and historic conclusion to this year’s championship.
The episode serves as a reminder of the emotional stakes at play in world-class sport and the pressure even seasoned pros can feel when the Crucible spotlight is at its brightest. Williams’s moment of candour has only endeared him further to fans, who appreciate his straightforward, no-nonsense approach both on and off the table.
While the BBC quickly moved to move past the on-air slip, laughter and good-natured banter prevailed in the studio—a sign of the camaraderie that often exists within the somewhat high-pressure world of professional snooker broadcasting.
Looking ahead, Williams’s remarkable journey to another final stands as an inspiration, both to established players and to those who dream of greatness on the sport’s grandest stage. The snooker world will be watching closely as he vies for a historic fourth world title, seeking to further cement his place among the game’s legends.