Mark Williams has admitted to being stunned after suffering ‘no nerves’ during his dramatic win over John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old has become the oldest semi-finalist in four decades after winning 13-12 at the Crucible.
Williams had to keep his cool throughout the clash, with Higgins unplayable at times.
He was able to book his place in the last four, however, after winning the final frame of the fixture.
Mark Williams has admitted to being stunned after suffering ‘no nerves’ during his dramatic win over John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday
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Speaking to the BBC, Williams admitted he was shocked at suffering with no nerves despite the high stakes on offer.
On potting the blue in the decider, he stated: “It was such a tough shot, I could’ve gone in-off, I could’ve overcut it.
“I just went for it, full-board and was straight on the pink and black and I thought I had to go for it.
“There was not one bit of nerves. I don’t really get it.
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“I’ve only had nerves a handful of times in my career. When I watch Jackson [Page] and he’s at 4-4 my hand is shaking and I’m sweating.
“I wasn’t thinking he [Higgins] would miss it [the chance to win the match with the blue].
“From 12-8 to 12 all I had not done much wrong and I’m thinking ‘what can I do?’
“I was drained this morning. Two tough sessions, I didn’t finish until half 10.
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What a finish. WHAT A SPORT!
Two legends playing out an unforgettable decider.
The Crucible creates some strange magic #HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/7EoxNaKbEh
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2025
“It’s tough out there, especially the older you get. You play all day, the next day you play in the morning.
“It’s just a pleasure playing now. We got the standing ovation walking in and everyone was cheering.
“You have to enjoy it because you don’t know how many times I’ll be coming back here.”
As for Higgins, the 49-year-old was left regretful after failing to pot a red in order to secure victory.
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“I had the chance on the blue,” he said.
“It was difficult and you’re struggling to see the pockets at the end of the game.
“He potted a great blue, pink, black so every credit to him. He’s a great champion.
“I still felt good going into the last frame. Mark had a great pot and I thought he would do what he always does, then I had a chance but I could only make 30.
Mark Williams capitalised on John Higgins’ inability to finish the match by winning their epic showdown at the World Snooker Championship
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“It’s tough, then I made a bad safety when I was in control of the frame. I got my chance but I couldn’t take it.
“I’ve had a good season, the atmosphere out there was incredible, a standing ovation walking in. There’s no better place to play, win or lose.”
