Mark Williams is into the second round at the Welsh Open
Mark Williams only decided he was playing in the Welsh Open on Sunday after being convinced by his coach and wife, but he started the event in fine style as he made three centuries in a 4-1 win.
The 49-year-old wasn’t sure whether to play in Llandudno as he tries to keep his schedule manageable, admitting that he does need a break from snooker at times.
However, he was talked into playing in his home country and it looks to be a great decision after a 4-1 win over Austrian Florian Nuessle in the opening round.
The three-time world champion made breaks of 101, 100 and 117 on his way to an impressive win, despite the late call.
‘I decided on Sunday morning,’ he said of choosing to play on Monday afternoon. ‘A lot of convincing from Lee Walker. Sunday morning is when I really decided I was coming.
‘I was unsure all the way. My wife was saying I should go. They are probably right to be honest. Because it’s my home tournament, if I am going to miss one maybe miss a different one.’
Williams said he may not play in everything for the rest of the season, including the revamped, big-money World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
Williams looked in fine form on Monday
‘I have missed a few already this year,’ he said. ‘Not 100 per cent about Hong Kong yet. Just see how it goes. Sometimes you need a break from this game.’
He was clearly pleased with how he played on Monday, though, with his 50th birthday coming next month.
‘Obviously I had three centuries, but I’ve been playing alright all season to be honest, just been unlucky here and there,’ he said. ‘Obviously won a tournament [Champion of Champions], three centuries here I can’t grumble. It’s more than I ever thought I’d be doing approaching my 50th, I’ve just got to enjoy it.
‘I could go out next game and hit another two or three centuries, or I could go out and not make a 50. You never know what’s going to happen with me. That’s the frustrating part because I just never know if I’m going to play really good or s**t.’
Coach Walker persuaded Williams to play this week and another player he works with is due to be in action on Tuesday, with Ronnie O’Sullivan expected to play.
The Rocket skipped the Masters and German Masters last month but is set to face Jamie Clarke in Llandudno after a difficult run of results and struggle with mental health.
Asked about O’Sullivan working with his long-term friend and coach, Williams said: ‘Well he’s doing well with Ronnie at the minute, he’s pulled out of the last five tournaments and snapped his cue. It’s all a masterplan to get him out of the way!’
O’Sullivan spoke about linking up with Walker earlier in the season, which could have been odd as he is so closely linked with his 30-plus-year rival.
‘I spoke to Lee because obviously I knew he’s with Mark,’ explained O’Sullivan in December. ‘I know Mark’s not one of them people who would want to keep Lee to himself, I know he’s not that sort of character.
‘I said to Lee to speak to Mark because obviously I know they’ve got an amazing relationship. He did and he said Mark’s cool and happy for him to work with me.
‘I’ve really enjoyed working with Lee. He’s pointed out a couple of things that I already knew but didn’t realise to what extent. I think only another snooker player and of Lee’s coaching ability – he’s worked with a lot of players and knows the game as a player and a coach. I definitely think Lee has shown me a couple of very important things.’
O’Sullivan takes on Clarke on Tuesday afternoon in round one, with Williams in round two action against Stephen Maguire on Wednesday.