EYE ON THE PRIZE
Mark Williams hints at cancelling major operation after beating John Higgins in World Snooker Championship decider
Welshman's brilliant Crucible run has forced him into a rethink
MARK WILLIAMS is considering cancelling major eye surgery after making World Championship history.
The Welshman, 50, pipped fellow Class of 92 snooker legend John Higgins 13-12 to become the oldest Crucible semi-finalist since 1985.
2
2
But Williams suggested he was playing "half blind" as he battled with deteriorating eyesight.
The three-time world champion had planned an operation to fix the problem.
But his continuing progress at the Crucible is giving him second thoughts.
Williams now faces World No.1 Judd Trump, starting on Thursday.
READ MORE IN SNOOKER
And he digested the question of his worsening vision as he analysed his all-the-way epic with Higgins.
BBC pundit Ken Doherty noticed the victor was wearing glasses for their interview.
And the Irishman, who won the world title in 1997, joked that Higgins' conqueror wasn't "playing bad for a blind man".
Far from shy away from the matter, Williams opened up on his tricky situation.
Most read in Snooker
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
He said: "I've got a big decision to make now, do I cancel my op? I don't know."
Asked how his eyesight has been affecting his game, Williams added: "I haven't played with glasses yet, that was my next step.
Fans baffled as referee makes incredible blunder at World Snooker Championship while respotting pink in O’Sullivan clash
"I tried contacts, struggled with them. Looks like I'm still doing alright, half blind."
Williams survived Higgins reeling off four frames in a row to make it 12-12 by nicking the final frame 74-69.
And their Class of 92 rival, Ronnie O'Sullivan, is also into the last four.
The Rocket, 49, booked a clash with Zhao Xintong by overcoming Si Jiahui 13-9.
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are BACK at the Crucible for another thrilling fortnight of snooker action!
There will be a new champion this year after reigning champ Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round after a stunning performance from Lei Peifan.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is eyeing a record EIGHTH World Snooker Championship crown, while World No 1 Judd Trump remains the tournament favourite.
Latest News
- Ronnie O'Sullivan 'doesn't want to be the first' Class of 92 member to retire
- Luca Brecel hails Arsenal star for arranging a private jet to take him to the World Snooker Championship
- I made snooker history without even leaving my chair
- ‘Got to be issuing refunds’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan’s World Snooker Championship session over after 17 minutes
- BBC presenter and snooker legend Steve Davis slams cue down and turns his back on camera as trick shot goes wrong
- Scary moment fan feints live on BBC
Snooker Explained
Topics