Mark Williams fulfils naked ambition to claim third snooker world title in thrilling win over John Higgins
The Welshman wins a gripping final 18-16 to add to his titles in 2000 and 2003 – then keeps promise to strip for the media
The Welshman won a gripping final 18-16 to add to his titles in 2000 and 2003 – then turned up to face the media wrapped in just a towel after promising before the match that he would do the presser in the nude.
The 43-year-old, who hid his modesty behind a tablecloth, became the oldest winner since his fellow Welshman Ray Reardon triumphed aged 45 in 1978.
He's a man of his word...
As promised, Mark Williams has arrived for his press conference as world champion - naked! #bbcsnooker pic.twitter.com/yEF9h2MqMF— BBC Snooker (@BBCSnooker) May 7, 2018
Higgins, 42, and seeking a fifth title, had fought back from a seven-frame deficit to draw level at 15-15, but Williams held on to take the sport’s showcase.
It capped a remarkable late-career revival as he did not even qualify for the championships in 2017, and last reached the final 15 years ago, when he defeated Ken Doherty.
“Last year I watched this in a caravan having some beers. I just can’t believe it, I was seriously thinking of giving up” Williams told the BBC.
He was 15-10 up, three frames away from the title, after Monday’s afternoon session having started the day 10-7 in front.