FAST AND FURIOUS
MARK WILLIAMS has seen his controversial break-off shot given the official green light ahead of a titanic Crucible clash against John Higgins today.
The pair have seven Betfred World Championship titles between them – sharing some epic battles at the iconic venue.
Williams, 46, famously did his press conference naked after beating Higgins 18-16 in a 2018 final viewed as one of the greatest ever matches.
And Higgins, 45, has won only one of their three classic semi-finals in Sheffield.
This year,Williams triggered a storm in his first-round match by continuing with a negative tactic employed all season. It involves rolling off just the back cushion to nestle in the pack of reds – preventing any chance of easy openers for his opponent.
Three-time winner Williams actually has the fastest average shot-time on tour and is one of the game’s great entertainers.
The Welshman is angry other players were consulted on the row, and said: “I am the fastest player on tour – there are more important things going on in the world than moaning about my poxy break-off.”
Record seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, commentating for the BBC, said: “I hate it. Mark has used it this season but it is very negative.”
However WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said last night: “Asking the players for feedback was certainly not a personal attack on MarkWilliams.
“He is one of the most entertaining players ever, and a class act. But the shot did creep in with other players.
“The rules committee chaired by referee Jan Verhaas looked at it and felt there was no need for a rule change, and I agree. He’s done it because the standard of long potting has improved so much… and what is the difference between that other defensive shots?”
Higgins admits Williams has inflicted some of his most painful defeats at the Crucible.
He said: “At this venue he’s given me three of my biggest ever losses; two semis and a final. He’s played unbelievable stuff against me. It will be rolling back the years, and that 2018 final is up there standardwise as one of the greatest matches here.”
Higgins, Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan all turned pro in 1992. and
Higgins said: “I’m so proud to have come through with those two guys.”
Williams said: “It will be another great occasion against John. Thirty years after we first played and we are still going. He is 45, I am 46 and playing at the worlds… it does not get any better.”
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