Mark Williams has promised traffic chaos if he makes history to become the oldest winner of the World Snooker Championships this month.

Williams is bidding to win his fourth world title – to add to those won in 2000, 2003, and 2018 – and has pledged to run down the M4 naked if he does achieve the feat.

The 51-year-old would be the oldest world champion in the sport if he does win at the Crucible, while he became the oldest finalist last year when he was beaten 18-12 by Zhao Xintong who himself made history as the first Chinese, and Asian, world champion.

Williams has a history of making promises – and making good on them – having vowed to strip naked in front of the media in 2018.

When he beat John Higgins 18-16 in the final, the Welsh potting machine appeared naked, save for a towel, at his post-match press conference.

“I’d do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you’re less likely to win it,” he said prior to this year’s tournament.

Williams would beat Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record for the oldest ever champion, who was 46 years old when he beat Judd Trump in 2022.

Being on the older side does have its drawbacks, with Williams’ ongoing eyesight issues potentially ending his career in the near future.

“If it goes wrong, 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,” said Williams.

“Eventually I’ll get my eyes done but whether or not that’s this year, next year, I don’t know.”

Whether Williams does continue to compete at the highest level remains to be seen, but it seems fans will be seeing him for another few years at least.

“When I was 45 I said I’d like to see where I am in the rankings when I’m 50,” Williams recalled.

“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.”

He may have ruled out retirement but is not feeling quite so confident about his chances at the Crucible this year.

“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’ve been doing this since I was an eight-year-old kid. My father was going down the mines for 30 years, my grandfather for 50 years.

“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.”

For a man who has won three world titles and reached the final last year, it will surprise some to hear that he is not the best fan of the Crucible as a venue.

“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.”

---

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.