Mark Williams Questions Eye Surgery After Proving He Can Still Compete At 50

Mark Williams Pic: Alamy

Locked in a real battle in his clash with Judd Trump, Mark Williams doesn’t know whether to stick or twist as he contemplates eye surgery.

Mark Williams has admitted he is rethinking a major eye operation after continuing to defy time and expectations at the World Snooker Championship.

The 50-year-old Welshman, a three-time world champion, has battled his way into the semi-finals of snooker’s most prestigious tournament — making him the oldest player to reach this stage since Ray Reardon in 1985.

Williams reflected on his form after levelling his semi-final 8-8 against world number one Judd Trump, having trailed 5-3.

The Welsh star had previously revealed he was booked in for lens replacement surgery following the tournament, due to worsening eyesight that’s affected him in recent months.

However, his performance under the Crucible lights has prompted second thoughts.

“It’s unbelievable. Still going, 50 years of age, in the semi-finals, biggest tournament that we’ve got. And I’m still playing all right, you know?” said Williams.

The “Welsh Potting Machine,” has never shied away from a fight — whether it was trading punches in his youth with former boxing world champion Joe Calzaghe or now grappling with elite opponents on the baize.

Frustrated during the second session, he was seen punching his cue five times after a costly miss, a rare visible outburst from the veteran.

The world number six, who narrowly lost a 17-16 classic against Trump in their 2022 semi-final, is now weighing up whether to risk his current form with surgery that could have unforeseen consequences.

“Got a big decision to make. I’m obviously booked in June to have my eyes lens replacement,” he said.

“I’ve been reading up and talking to people who have had it done. I’ve got to be honest, it’s putting me off a bit. Only a couple of people I spoke to, especially Anthony Hamilton at length, but it’s no good under the lights and ruined his career and sort of put me under pressure a bit to be honest.

“So after this is finished, it is something I’m going to have to look more into, to decide what I’m going to do with it.

“More research, but obviously, you know, I’m in a semi-final of the biggest tournament. I’ve won the Champion of Champions. Top five in the world or sixth, whatever it is. What do you do? Do I keep playing blurry? I don’t know.”

Despite vision challenges, Williams continues to show the sharpness, grit and determination that have defined his storied career — raising serious questions about whether he should take the risk of surgery at all.

His opponent Judd Trump, meanwhile, has taken a different approach to managing the tournament’s intensity, retreating into solitude as he eyes a second world title.

“I’m very boring when I’m here. I normally sleep about nine hours straight through,” said Trump.

“Because it’s so hectic around Sheffield, I don’t really come out of my room much. I try to stay away from everyone. Conserve my energy that way.”