Mark Williams Targeting Third World Snooker Title

By Simon Kendal-Williams

Mark Williams insists a third world snooker crown remains in his sights after easing into the second round of the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield.

The 43-year-old from Ebbw Vale last lifted the trophy in 2003, and went more than six years without tasting tournament success until earlier this season.

But Williams was in bullish mood after disposing of English qualifier Jimmy Robertson 10-5.

“I’m coming into this event playing the best I’ve played for many years,” claimed Williams. “I’ve got as good a chance as anyone left in the tournament.”

Leading 7-2 overnight, Williams was made to work harder in the second session as the world number 34 took the opening two frames.

Successive centuries – including a tournament-high 140 total clearance – saw him regain control, and although Robertson briefly rallied, it was Williams who booked his second-round spot.

“The damage was done in the first session, really,” said Williams, winner of the Northern Ireland Open and German Masters this season.

“It’s first to ten but the first frame was massive – I beat him on the black and that put him under pressure.

“He should have won the first two frames, really.”

Williams faces either 2010 champion Neil Robertson or Robert Milkins for a place in the quarter-final, but has never been one to give much thought to potential opponents.

“Neil is one of the best players in the world,” he said. “But I don’t play the player, I never have. I just play the balls.

“Whoever I play, I look forward to it. I beat Robert 10-1 here in 2005 and had a 147, but you don’t beat people like that here anymore.

“But I’d love to have another 147 against him just to see his face!”