Mark Williams’ first-round match at the Welsh Open was interrupted amid bizarre scenes. The three-time world champion faced Michael Holt at Llandudno as he commenced his campaign to become the first Welsh victor of the competition since his own triumph back in 1999.
Williams ultimately prevailed 4-2 but only following an unusual interruption that required the referee to engage in an extended discussion with the marker, Kevin Dabrowski, the table-side official with access to a television monitor. Following Williams’ victory in the opening frame, Holt was at the table in the second when he potted a long red to a corner pocket. The on-table referee, Colin Humphries, announced “one” before, in VAR fashion, going over to the monitor, where he was made aware of an infringement.
Replays revealed that after striking the cue ball, Holt’s tip had inadvertently made contact with the nearby yellow on his follow-through. After several minutes of discussion between the referee and the marker, a foul was declared, with four points awarded to Williams.
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Despite the incident, Holt actually proceeded to claim the frame. Williams regained the advantage with a century break in the third before Holt levelled once more. Williams’ superior quality ultimately prevailed as he secured the final two frames to set up a second-round meeting with Martin O’Donnell.
Despite approaching his 51st birthday next month and insisting he doesn’t practise between tournaments, Williams remains a formidable presence in the sport and a frontrunner for the forthcoming World Championship.
Reflecting on his victory over Holt, the Welsh Potting Machine said: “I played solid all the way through, until a few twitches towards the end. Then I potted a really good pink to win the match.
“I am still not practising between tournaments but at the venues I probably practise more than any other player, three or four hours a day, and that seems to work for me. I am not going to get better at my age, it’s just a case of ticking over.”
Elsewhere, fellow icon Mark Selby endured a shock 4-3 loss against world number 81 Jiang Jun. Neil Robertson progressed after beating 15-year-old Polish prodigy Michal Szubarczyk 4-1.
Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong enters the competition as the player in prime form, having secured consecutive tournament victories at the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship. He kicks off his Welsh Open challenge against compatriot Fan Zhengyi on Tuesday afternoon.
Williams considers Zhao among the favourites to claim the Worlds and shatter the notorious ‘Crucible curse’, which has denied every first-time world champion from successfully defending their crown.
“He’s definitely one of them,” said Williams, who was defeated by Zhao in the 2025 final. “He’s probably got the best chance of anyone who has won it before to retain it at the first attempt. But it is tough. I have always known he was going to be something special and he is looking unbelievable now.”