World champion Mark Williams is not setting himself any targets for the new season as he prepares to begin his campaign at the Riga Masters.

The 43-year-old considered his future in the sport in 2017 after a poor year in which he failed to even qualify for the Crucible showpiece but bounced back in April to win the sport’s greatest prize for the third time in his career. The Welshman took out John Higgins in Sheffield and then performed his post-match interview naked, having promised to do so if he ever won another world title. Having claimed the World Championship in 2000 and 2003, it did seem as though Williams’ best days were behind him and it was a shock victory for the Ebbw Vale man 15 years on from his previous triumph in South Yorkshire.

The left-hander admits he has enjoyed himself since winning the big one and has not thought about trying to meet any specific challenges this term. “The last two months have been great,” he said. “I’ve had quite a few beers, I have really enjoyed it. I haven’t got any aims for this year.” The ‘Welsh Potting Machine’ takes on Leicester’s Ben Woollaston in round one of the Latvian event on Friday evening and is priced at 1.33 to get the job done, with his 31-year-old opponent on offer at 3.10.

Williams will attempt to be as professional as possible in all his matches but doubts whether he will be able to replicate the success he enjoyed earlier this year. “What happened last season was unbelievable and I am probably not expecting it to happen again if I am honest,” he added. “I’m going to try my best like I always do, just enjoy it, see what happens and not worry about anything.”