Mark Williams fulfills naked ambition to claim world title

LONDON – Reuters

Mark Williams stayed true to his word after clinching his third world snooker title on May 7 by conducting his post-match news conference naked.

At 43 he became the oldest winner since his fellow Welshman Ray Reardon triumphed aged 45 in 1978.

Higgins, 42 and seeking a fifth title, fought back from a seven-frame deficit to draw level at 15-15, but Williams held on to take the sport’s showcase.

It capped a remarkable late-career revival as he did not even qualify for the championships in 2017, and last reached the final 15 years ago, when he defeated Ken Doherty.

“It’s an unbelievable story, 12 months ago I was thinking of chucking it. Here I am winning the 2018 World Championships ... bollock naked,” said Williams.

“Where has it come from? Unbelievable 12 months. If I never win another tour or my form goes downhill I don’t care. I’ve just done something I thought I’d never ever do.”

The three-time world champion looked forward to returning to the Crucible next year and promised to outdo himself if he defended his title.

“I’m just looking forward to coming back next year, I’m not going to say anything stupid and end up like this but to be honest if I won this next year I’d cartwheel down here naked.”