World number seven Mark Williams says he has “as good a chance as anyone left” after booking his place in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Championship. Williams, who almost gave up the game a couple of years ago, produced another brilliant performance at the Crucible to oust Allister Carter, who had knocked out Ronnie O’Sullivan in the previous round, 13-8. The Welshman, who won the tournament back in 2000 and 2003, made four centuries during the match and advances to the semis for the first time since 2011.
At the age of 43, Williams is now aiming to become the oldest player to win the World Championship since compatriot Ray Reardon took the last of his six crowns in 1978. Next up is a semi-final clash against Barry Hawkins, who upset China’s Ding Junhui in the last round, and the ‘Welsh Wonder’ has won 14 of their previous 17 meetings.
The Ebbw Vale-born star says it would be a great feeling to lift the trophy for the third time in his career and sees no reason why this cannot be his year. “It would be unbelievable,” Williams was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “I haven’t won it since 2003 so I honestly thought my days were up. “But the season I’ve had so far, then why not? There’s only four left. I’ve got as good a chance as anyone else left in it and I’m sure the other three will be thinking the same.” Williams is the narrow 4/5 favourite to advance into the final while Hawkins is Even priced.
Snooker odds available at Dafabet.