Wales’ Mark Williams ousts Stephen Maguire to reach quarter-final of 2012 Masters
Mark Williams and Stephen Maguire put up a thrilling show in front of the packed arena at the 2012 Masters snooker event being staged at the Alexandra Palace arena in Stock. The total number of spectators was approximately 1,000 and the event came to Alexandra
Palace after 33 years of its stay at the Wembley arena.
Welshman, Williams, was able to survive the Scotsman’s strong comeback at the baize. He defeated Maguire after a tussling encounter by the score line of 6-4 and managed to make his way into the quarter-final stage of the event. The Welsh Potting Machine
was outstanding on the table from the very beginning. Maguire stopped his impressive run for some time but could not unsettle the Welsh potter.
The Ebbw Vale potter cruised into a 4-0 early lead in no time during the match, which was definitely a big blow to the Scottish professional player. The 36-year-old Williams smashed some stunning knocks of 57, 72, 64 and 53 to nudge his opponent down by
four frames.
However, it is not Maguire’s style to accept the defeat so easily. His performance always shines under pressure and the same happened in the match after he was 4-0 down. He sprang back into the game brilliantly and upset the Welshman grabbing four frame
wins to finally reach at 5-4. Williams was caught at the brink of his win.
The Welsh wonder held his nerves and came back into the game. He clinched the final frame quickly to claim victory over Maguire. Williams was relieved after winning the match.
Speaking to local media at the conclusion of his match, he said, “I should have won 6-2, I had a couple of glorious chances, but after that I knew it be tough. I was probably the better player tonight throughout but Stephen was favourite to beat me once
he made it 5-4. I like the new venue and if the crowds keep turning up it will be a great week.”
The former World Snooker Champion will be heading into the quarter-final stage where he might face Neil Robertson or Mark Allen.
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