Authorities don’t want me to retain my title, claims Williams

SNOOKER

MARK WILLIAMS is convinced snooker bosses will be crossing their fingers and praying for his demise as he prepares to begin the defence his world title in Sheffield this morning.

The 44-year-old says his colourful reign as champion has not gone down half as well with officials as the gallons of beer he has consumed during the seasonlong celebrations following his unlikely triumph.

Williams, who plays qualifier Martin Gould to a finish on the opening day, said: “I think World Snooker would rather anyone than me won it this time.

“I think (they think) it would be better for the game if Judd (Trump) or Kyren (Wilson) or one of the Chinese players wins it, that they will do more for the game than I’ve done for it.

“They don’t want a 44-year-old has-been winning the tournament. They want a youngster coming through who they can get behind and who will push the sport.”

The Welshman remains unrepentant over his over his attitude, claiming it makes up for the opportunities he spurned when he won his previous two world titles in 2000 and 2003.

“I’ve had some of the best times of my life, relaxing a lot, playing golf a lot and drinking a lot,” added Williams.

“My form has suffered because of it but I’ve no problem with that and if I win it again this year I’ll do the same again.

“When I won it before I had a pint of milk then went back to my hotel. I never used to drink or go out partying.

“Over the last 12 months I’ve probably done it more than in the last 20 years put together.”

For all his relaxed attitude, Williams has still enjoyed a reasonable season, winning the World Open in China and briefly threatening to regain his status as world number one – an accolade about which he insisted he was “not bothered”.

Neil Robertson, one of the favourites for the title after a stellar end to the season, begins his title quest this afternoon against Michael Georgiou, while Ding Junhui, Luca Brecel and Stephen Maguire are the other seeds in action on the opening day.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will get his campaign underway against James Cahill – the first amateur ever to reach the tournament – on Monday.