A quarter of a century has passed since a Welshman lifted the trophy at the Welsh Open, and Mark Williams, at 50 years young, is determined to end that drought. He’s not just competing; he’s chasing history, aiming to become the oldest ranking event winner ever – a record he already holds.
The memories of his 1999 victory in Cardiff are vivid. Williams, then a rising star, battled through a gauntlet of legends – Neal Foulds, Steve Davis, and a fiercely competitive Ronnie O’Sullivan – before facing down Stephen Hendry in a nail-biting 9-8 final. It was a triumph that cemented his place in Welsh sporting lore.
Hendry sought revenge in 2003, claiming the title, but since then, the Welsh Open has remained elusive for local players. The weight of expectation isn’t lost on Williams, but he carries it with a characteristic blend of humility and steely resolve.
Reaching the last 16 with a confident 4-1 win over Martin O’Donnell, Williams admits to a momentary lapse in awareness, playfully questioning which round he was even in. But his focus quickly returned to the task at hand: potting balls and pursuing the championship.
He’s not alone in carrying the Welsh hopes. Jackson Page and Jak Jones also remain in contention, and Williams is eager to see a home crowd celebrate a Welsh champion once more. “It’s a great place to play,” he said, “and hopefully, if it’s not me, then one of the Welsh boys can get to the final.”
This season has already seen Williams achieve a remarkable feat, winning the Xi’an Grand Prix in China – a victory he himself acknowledges came as a surprise. Currently ranked fourth in the world, he’s proving that age is no barrier to success.
Williams describes his game as a cycle of intense runs and early exits, often followed by a relaxing round of golf. But when he finds his rhythm, he’s a formidable opponent, capable of stringing together a series of stunning performances.
Time, however, is presenting a different kind of challenge. Williams’ eyesight has been steadily deteriorating, prompting consideration of lens replacement surgery. Yet, with his game still at a high level, he’s hesitant to risk an operation that could disrupt his momentum.
He admits to a growing blurriness, a frustrating reality for a player who relies on precision. Doctors repeatedly offer him priority access to the procedure, but Williams continues to postpone, weighing the potential benefits against the risk of losing his competitive edge.
The next test comes against Barry Hawkins at Venue Cymru, a venue Williams praises for its electric atmosphere and dedicated fans. He marvels at the consistent support, even during morning sessions, where hundreds gather to witness the action.
For Williams, it’s more than just a tournament; it’s a chance to reconnect with his roots, to inspire a new generation of Welsh snooker players, and to potentially etch his name into the history books once again.
