MARK’S AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE
MARK WILLIAMS last night became the oldest Crucible semi-finalist for 37 years.
The three-time world champion withstood a spirited Yan Bingtao fightback to reach the final four for a seventh time with a 13-11 win.
The 47-year-old is now the oldest to make the stage since Ray Reardon, then 52, in 1985.
Williams was 11-10 down to the 22-year-old after seeing his 6-2 lead eviscerated. The Welshman said: “I can’t believe I’m still competing with the big boys and getting to semi-finals at my age.
“I’m back in the one table setup at the Crucible. It’s unbelievable and I’m loving every minute.
“I was dead on my feet the other night. I’ve never been so relieved to lose a session 6-2 in my life.”
John Higgins believes the Class of 92 are better than ever, having turned pro in the same summer as Ronnie O’Sullivan and Williams.
And Williams, who’ll play Judd Trump, added: “I’m 47 years of age in the semi-final of the World Championship 30 years on from when I turned pro. You’d have thought that was impossible.
“It’s amazing to still be around 30 years later and who says the three of us can’t be around in another few years.”