Snooker icon Mark Williams makes Ultimate Pool debut – and loses to 37-second clearance

On Feb 28, 2023

Snooker star Mark Williams was given a tough lesson on his Ultimate Pool debut, losing his final group game 3-1 – with the match completed by a 37-second clearance.

The 47-year-old got his Ultimate Pool Champions League debut off to the perfect start winning his opening group match 4-2 against Liam White. However, the former snooker world champion was then beaten at the hands of Stevie Dempsey (2-4).

Going into his final group match Williams needed to avoid defeat to keep his hopes alive of progressing into the next round of group games. After losing the opening frame to Cole Bedford the Welsh Potting Machine showed his snooker skills by pulled off an impressive safety shot.

After Bedford missed potting a red with his following effort Williams then cleaned up to level the match at 1-1.

However, the Welshman could not prevent youngster Bedford from winning the following two frames. With each match limited in time Bedford had 37 seconds remaining in the fifth frame – having all but won the match leading 3-1.

Should more snooker players try pool? Let us know in the comments section

Cole Bedford cleaned up the table in 37 seconds during his victory against Mark Williams
(Image: @ultimatepool_/Twitter)

The youngster potted a red from the break and then went on to pot with each of the proceeding shots – winning the frame in 37 seconds and denying Williams a chance to visit the table. With just the group winner qualifying to the last-16 both players exited the tournament as Dempsey progressed as group winner.

Snooker legend Williams is known for his incredible potting skills and earlier this year completed a difficult snooker challenge on his first attempt.

Snooker professional Mark Williams exited the Ultimate Pool Champions League on his debut after three group matches
(Image: @ultimatepool_/Twitter)

Aptly known as the ‘potting machine’ Williams was tasked with clearing up the colours from their spots, but without moving his feet. The Welsh wizard was unphased by the difficult task potting yellow to black – without having to overstretch for the next ball.

A video of his accomplishment was a huge hit on social media with over one million views on Twitter. Williams, who finished runner-up in the Masters earlier this year, will be hoping to improve on his semi-final place at last year’s world championships at the Crucible in April.