It’s naked ambition for Mark
MARK WILLIAMS claimed a stunning third world title after winning the ‘golden oldie’ Crucible final and then turned up naked for the press conference.
The Welshman, 43, became the oldest Betfred World Championship winner since compatriot Ray Reardon in 1978 with a 18-16 victory over John Higgins, 42, but had vowed to speak to the media nude if he could win at the Crucible after he failed to even qualify last year.
Wife Jo persuaded him to give snooker one more go, with the assistance of coach Steve Feeney and his sighting techniques.
And a record 15 years after his previous success in 2003 the left-hander once again got his hands on the famous silver trophy – and pocketed a huge £425,000 cheque.
The players resumed yesterday with Williams 10-7 up and most expecting an immediate Higgins fightback. Instead, the Welsh wizard forged further 14-7 ahead.
But Higgins can never be written off. And a break of 67, a super clearance of 72 to steal another frame, and a failed 147 attempt falling down on 80 brought him back to 14-10 adrift.
But the 25th frame, the last before the evening climax, saw Williams stop the rot and move five clear.
A missed black allowed Higgins to make a break of 131, and though Williams was well ahead in both of the next two Higgins pounced to win them both before closing to 15-14 at the mid-session interval.
And Higgins then drew level for the first time since 7-7 at 15-15. But Williams gathered himself superbly to kick on past the winning line in a classic final.