**Mark Williams Teases Rob Walker in Lively Interview After Dramatic Triumph Over John Higgins**
Mark Williams, the seasoned Welsh snooker star, was in high spirits after sealing a dramatic victory over John Higgins to book his spot in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship. In a post-match interview, Williams playfully chided presenter Rob Walker, telling him to “spit it out” as Walker hesitated while delivering a milestone statistic about the Welshman’s achievement.
Wednesday night’s match at the Crucible Theatre unfolded as a true classic, with both Williams and Higgins battling through intense swings of momentum, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While Higgins, aged 49, made an electric start, it was Williams who mustered the necessary resolve, eventually storming ahead to establish a strong lead.
However, Higgins, renowned for his grit and resilience, clawed his way back by securing four consecutive frames to force a decisive final frame. In a match teeming with tension and exceptional snooker, it was ultimately Williams who emerged victorious, winning 13-12 in what many are already calling one of the standout matches of the season.
The light-hearted moment with Rob Walker came as the broadcaster relayed to Williams that he is now the oldest World Snooker Championship semi-finalist in nearly 40 years. Walker compared his achievement to that of Ray Reardon, who made it to the semi-finals at 52 years old back in 1985. Williams, with characteristic self-deprecating humour, responded: “Yeah, incredible. I don’t really know what to say, Rob. It is incredible and I don’t know how I’m still doing it but here I am.”
Reflecting on his match-winning shot, Williams spoke to BBC Sport and revealed the immense pride he felt in his performance, especially under pressure. “Unbelievable game, unbelievable finish,” he remarked. “The blue I played was probably one of my best shots for many years. What a blue… balls of steel. It was a tough shot. I could have gone in-off. I could have over-cut it. I just went for it full-blooded. There was not one bit of nerves, maybe I’ve only had them a handful of times in my entire career.”
The tension in the final frame was palpable, with a single mistake potentially handing victory to Higgins. Had the Scottish veteran potted a difficult blue, the narrative could have been very different and it was clear after the match just how much the loss meant to Higgins, given the turbulent off-table circumstances he faced. Ahead of the tournament, Higgins’ father-in-law suffered a serious health scare, and he was quick to single out his wife Denise — present in the arena — for her support.
“I can’t be too down on myself. I’ve lost a classic game there to an unbelievable champion,” said an emotional Higgins. “I think I’ve been one of those players who’s always had a good perspective. Sometimes when I lose in front of you guys, it’s raw because you’re just coming off [the table]. I know what’s more important in my life and she’s up there [nodding to wife Denise]. I know that. I give everything 100 per cent. At the end of the day, if I lose, it’s secondary now. It’s my job and I give everything. I lost and I’m devastated right now.”
Williams, now into another semi-final at snooker’s highest level, will next face either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel. The Welshman’s continued presence at the top, especially at the age of 49, provides further evidence of his enduring greatness and love for the sport.
Elsewhere in Sheffield, Ronnie O’Sullivan, ever the crowd-puller and aiming for a record eighth title, progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Si Jiahui 13-9. The Englishman will next face Zhao Xintong, the former UK champion, in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
As the World Snooker Championship reaches its climax, the combination of dramatic matches, memorable interviews, and emotional moments continues to reinforce the tournament’s place as one of sport’s great spectacles. Fans across Wales, Scotland, and beyond will be eagerly watching as the remaining contenders vie for the game’s biggest prize.