Snooker legend admits he will 'run the M4 naked' if he lands fourth World Championship title

Callum Vurley
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:05:50 +0000

Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has made quite the promise ahead of this year's World Championship – he'll run stark naked down the M4 from London to Cardiff if he clinches a fourth world title.

The 51-year-old from Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, kicks off his campaign tomorrow at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield against qualifier Antoni Kowalski.

"I'd do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you're less likely to win it," Williams told the BBC.

Should he triumph, the Welshman would make history by overtaking Ronnie O'Sullivan as the oldest ever world champion.

It's a bold claim, but Williams has form for following through on his outlandish promises.

Back in 2018, after defeating John Higgins 17-15 in the final to add to his 2000 and 2003 triumphs, he did exactly what he'd pledged before the tournament – appearing completely starkers at his post-match press conference.

"It's cold in here, init," the Welshman joked at the time, preserving his modesty with just a towel. "It feels a little bit uncomfortable at the minute."

He even threatened to cartwheel around naked if he won again the following year – thankfully for everyone involved, that didn't happen.

The Welsh Potting Machine faces more than just tough opponents this year – his body is proving equally challenging.

Williams has been battling deteriorating eyesight and is considering lens replacement surgery, though he's understandably cautious about going under the knife.

"If it goes wrong, that's the end. That's the only thing stopping me," he explained, noting that former player Anthony Hamilton's career was ruined by glare from TV lights after similar surgery.

On top of that, Williams revealed earlier this year he's been struggling with the yips – that dreaded condition where players suddenly lose the ability to execute basic skills.

"I'm like a paranoid mess at the minute," he admitted.

Despite the challenges, Williams remains remarkably grounded about his prospects.

"I'm still fighting. I'm still trying and that's all I can say," he reflected. "I try my best in every tournament and if you win, great, if you lose, that's not the end of the world."

Currently sitting sixth in the world rankings at 51, he's already defied expectations by becoming the oldest ranking event winner last October at the Xi'an Grand Prix.

Retirement? Not a chance.

"Let's see where I am in the rankings at 55, that'll be interesting," he said.

Williams faces Kowalski on Saturday, with a potential final on 4 May.