Snooker star Mark Williams ‘never gets a buzz’ going to World Championships

On Apr 16, 2023

Mark Williams says the pressure of the World Snooker Championship doesn’t get to him and insists he never even feels a buzz playing at major tournaments.

The Welshman, who faces Jimmy Robertson in the first round of the competition, has lifted the famous trophy three times, most recently in 2018, and appeared to credit much of his success to his super laid back approach to the game.

“[I’ve] never had a buzz coming here, never will have a buzz coming here,” he told Metro. “Not just here, that’s anywhere. [I] never get a buzz going to any tournament I’ve ever played in.

“When people say they get butterflies and sweaty palms driving up the road, I just think, what are you talking about? Sweaty palms driving towards a building? It’s just me, but I don’t get it.

“I don’t treat this is any different to playing in any other venue of competition, obviously this is the World Championship, the most prize money we play for, but it’s just another tournament to try your best in. The only reason you want to do well here is because there’s more money.”

Despite claiming to be unfazed by the occasion, Williams does acknowledge that the atmosphere inside the Crucible can be electric at times.

Who’s going to win the world title? Let us know us know in the comments section below.

Williams says he doesn't understand why his colleagues get nervous ahead of big tournaments — Williams says he doesn’t understand why his colleagues get nervous ahead of big tournaments

“This is a great atmosphere,” he admitted. “Totally different to the Masters because it’s so close. Once I get out there I love it. It’s not been my favourite venue over the years but once you get down to one table it’s a brilliant venue. If this venue was 20 foot wider, it would probably be the best venue ever.”

The Welsh Potting Machine is still one of the finest players on the planet despite knocking on 50, and although he won’t be favourite to win a fourth world title, few will be capable of stopping him if he’s at his best this month.

“I’m playing some good stuff and I can be dangerous for anybody,” he said. “I can keep form up for 17 days, I’ve done it before, I’ve proved it many times, you’ve just got to click at the right time. I’ve got as good a chance as most people in here. I know that.”