Mark Williams was in a playful mood following his thrilling World Snooker Championship quarter-final victory over John Higgins as he joked with BBC interviewer Rob Walker
Snooker star Mark Williams cheekily told interviewer Rob Walker to “spit it out” after the interviewer tripped over his words in the aftermath of Williams’ huge victory over John Higgins.
As Walker attempted to inform Williams that he had become the oldest player to reach the World Snooker Championship semi-finals in four decades, Williams jested for the broadcaster to hurry up with the facts, despite Walker’s momentary struggle for words.
The duo’s friendly rapport was clearly on display as Williams was elated after his win. The showdown between the two players was a match for the ages, as both Williams and Higgins took turns to bask in huge swings of momentum.
Higgins initially took the lead but Williams roared into an advantage of his own. The resilient Scotsman wasn’t down and out though as he fought his way into the game by claiming four straight frames to demand a decider, which Williams narrowly clinched with a scoreline of 13-12.
Next up for Williams is either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals. After Walker finally got his words out, he lauded the three-time World Champion for being the eldest to reach this stage since Ray Reardon’s last-four appearance aged 52 in 1985, reports Wales Online.
“Yeah, incredible,” Williams said in response to Walker. “I don’t really know what to say, Rob. It is incredible and I don’t know how I’m still doing it but here I am.”
Speaking to BBC Sport he revealed his pride at pulling off his final shot to clinch the tie. “Unbelievable game, unbelievable finish,” he said.
“The blue I played was probably one of my best shots for many years. What a blue… balls of steel. It was a tough shot. I could have gone in-off. I could have over-cut it.
“I just went for it full-blooded. There was not one bit of nerves, maybe I’ve only had them a handful of times in my entire career.”
Had Higgins converted his chance on the tough blue, it would have put him into the last four. Afterwards he gave an emotionally charged interview.
The 49-year-old’s father-in-law suffered a serious health scare just prior to the tournament, and he paid tribute to his wife who was in Sheffield with him.
“I can’t be too down on myself. I’ve lost a classic game there to an unbelievable champion,” Higgins said. “I think I’ve been one of those players who’s always had a good perspective.
“Sometimes when I lose in front of you guys it’s raw cause you’re just coming off. I know what’s more important in my life and she’s up there [nodding to wife Denise]. I know that.
“I give everything 100 per cent. At the end of the day if I lose it’s secondary now. It’s my job and I give everything. I lost and I’m devastated right now.”
On the other side of the draw, seven-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan booked his place in the semi-finals with a 13-9 win over Si Jiahui as he maintained his bid for a record eighth title. O’Sullivan will now take on former UK champion Zhao Xintong in the last four.
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