Revitalised Williams seals 2010 China Open title
It’s been a long time coming, but Mark Williams has finally ended his long silverware drought. Against the home favourite, Ding Junhui, the Welshman produced a memorable comeback at the China Open to lift his first trophy in four years.
The 35-year-old two-time former world champion found himself in an all-too familiar losing position after the eighth frame of Sunday’s final. Ding had led by five frames to three going into the ninth, but Williams battled back valiantly – winning seven of the next eight frames – to take the match 10-6 in Beijing.
This superb comeback netted Williams a cool £55,000 winner’s cheque and a provisional world ranking of seventh. The Welshman was understandably overjoyed with the manner of his victory first and foremost, though, following such a long wait, and described himself as “over the moon to win again”.
His name was once regarded alongside the greats of the modern game, right up there alongside the likes of John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan. However, his recent lack of form and success led to suggestions that he would soon announce his retirement. Fortunately, he opted against calling time on his career; and his decision to remain in the sport is now beginning to pay dividends.
Whether it was a loss of confidence or a lack of motivation, Williams was a shadow of his former self in the majority of events after his previous tournament win at the China Open in 2006. The once-revered Williams used to be regarded as fearsome opposition on the snooker circuit, but in recent years his fellow professionals would have relished the prospect of facing the former world No.1.
Now back in the top 16, Williams has set his sights on a third world championship title at the Crucible. The Betfred world championship will get underway in less than a fortnights time and Williams will fancy his chances in the opening round against Scottish veteran Marcus Campbell. His route to the final will be far from easy, though, and to the Welshman’s misfortune, O’Sullivan is expected to be waiting in the second round.
Regardless, last weekend’s victory over Ding at the 2010 China Open lifted a huge weight off of Williams’ shoulders. The pictures of him lifting the coveted gold plate in Beijing are images which have been too rare in recent seasons; but if the Welsh Potting Machine remains on song for the world championships later this month, he could well be this year’s dark horse.
Tags: