Williams finds the right fuel

MARK WILLIAMS got off to a kebab-fuelled flier in the ‘Class of ‘92’ Crucible final.

The Welshman went for a doner at 2.30am on the day of the Betfred World Championship showpiece, still buzzing after a thrilling finish to an epic semi-final win over Barry Hawkins.

And up against four-time champion John Higgins, Williams, right, sprang out of the traps fastest in the best-of-35-frame clash, only to be pegged back.

The contest brought together two of the three legends who all turned pro 26 years ago – the other being the watching Ronnie O’Sullivan.

After surging 4-0 up, Williams was always braced for a fightback from fellow golden oldie Higgins during the evening session. And it duly arrived as Higgins quickly put frames on the board and closed to 6-5. Williams said: “We have played each other since we were about 13, so to be playing in a Crucible final for the first time is incredible.” TOM JOHNSTONE staked a claim to be involved in England’s midseason Test against New Zealand by scoring a hat-trick in Wakefield’s 54-18 win over Hull KR.

The highly-rated winger is uncapped but displayed his finishing prowess while Scott Grix scored two.

Trinity coach Chris Chester said: “This result will do us the world of good.

“That’s the best 40 minutes we’ve produced this season – we’ve not been able to do it consistently.”