Mark Williams has opened up on his vision issues (Image: Getty Images)
Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has conceded that his chances of clinching the World Snooker Championship would be all but dashed if his eyesight deteriorates further. Williams, 51, last lifted the title in 2018, defeating John Higgins 18-16, adding to his previous triumphs in 2000 and 2003. Williams came agonisingly close last year, only to be beaten 18-12 by Chinese sensation Zhao Xintong in the final.
His run to the sport’s most prestigious match was hampered by his worsening eyesight, a condition for which he is currently awaiting surgery. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “If it goes wrong [his eyesight], that’s the end. That’s the only thing stopping me. I spoke to [former player] Anthony Hamilton, who also had it done, and because of the glare of the TV lights, it ruined his career. Eventually I’ll get my eyes done, but whether or not that’s this year, next year, I don’t know.”
Williams also endured difficulties at the Tour Championship in Manchester earlier this year, though not due to his vision, but rather a bout of the yips — a sudden and baffling loss of the ability to execute certain skills.
“It’s a bit concerning. I’m like a paranoid mess at the minute, because I’m just thinking, I’m not going to screw it back, and I’m snatching. And yeah, it’s not great, but I need the practise to get out of it,” added Williams.
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“I’m not putting in enough work. I’m going to come in now and try and play most days until the World Championship just to try and get that timing back.”
In October 2025, at the age of 50 years and 206 days, Williams broke the record set by Ray Reardon in 1982 to become the oldest winner of a ranking event when he claimed the title at the Xi’an Grand Prix. He currently sits sixth in the world rankings.
Mark Williams finished runner up at last year’s Worlds (Image: VCG via Getty Images)
“When I was 45 I said I’d like to see where I am in the rankings when I’m 50,” Williams said. “I’m not retiring, I made that decision years ago. Let’s see where I am in the rankings at 55, that’ll be interesting.
“I’m still fighting. I’m still trying and that’s all I can say,” he said. I try my best in every tournament and if you win, great, if you lose, that’s not the end of the world. I’m just travelling around the world playing the stupid game of snooker, getting paid well for it and enjoying it. You can’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
On the prospect of competing at the iconic Crucible venue this weekend, he said: “It’s good. I’ve always said the Crucible is not my favourite venue, but without doubt the World Championships should stay there,” he said. “It’s the home of snooker and there’s no atmosphere like it. It’s perfect as it is.”
Williams is set to take to the table on Saturday, 18 April, against qualifier Antoni Kowalski. While confident in his own abilities, he acknowledged that, as he gets older, his chances of securing a fourth world title are diminishing. “I’d do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you’re less likely to win it,” he said.