Mark Williams has expressed amazement at the continued success of himself, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and John Higgins, all prominent figures in the world of snooker. This statement comes as Williams progresses through the UK Championship, after an exciting match in the first round against David Gilbert.
Mark Williams’ Progress in the UK Championship
Recently, the 50-year-old Welsh player achieved a 6-4 victory over Gilbert, despite facing challenges during the match. Williams initially fell behind with a score of 2-1, with Gilbert appearing to gain an upper hand. Frustrated at one point, Williams humorously suggested he should toss his cue into the crowd after a poor shot.
However, Williams rallied, capturing four consecutive frames before Gilbert mounted a small comeback. Ultimately, Williams secured the decisive frame, ensuring his place in the next round.
A Change in Perspective on the Class of 92
After his match, Williams addressed the “Class of 92,” a title shared with O’Sullivan and Higgins. He reflected on how remarkable it is for the trio to still compete at high levels of snooker. “I’ve always been chasing their tails for 30, 40 years,” Williams remarked, noting that he feels he has outperformed the other two in recent years.
Williams acknowledged that he copes better with mistakes than both O’Sullivan and Higgins, stating, “If I miss a sitter, I don’t really care.” This perspective contrasts with his earlier statements, where he expressed discomfort with continuous comparisons to his contemporaries, calling them the two best players in snooker history.
Looking Ahead
As Williams prepares for his second-round match against Pang Junxu, he remains optimistic about his chances in the tournament. Noting his staying power in the sport, he mentioned, “I’m 51 soon. It’s unbelievable.”
Williams hopes to secure a tournament win this season, a goal he set early on. “If I could nick a tournament, I’d be over the moon,” he said, expressing satisfaction with his current performance in the UK Championship.
- Event: UK Championship
- First Round Victory: Mark Williams defeated David Gilbert 6-4
- Next Opponent: Pang Junxu
- Age: 50, turning 51 soon
Williams continues to be a formidable presence in the world of snooker, demonstrating resilience and adaptability as he navigates the competitive landscape alongside fellow legends.
