Mark Williams has revealed that a 2.30am doner kebab provided the inspiration for his stunning victory in the World Snooker Championship final. The 43-year-old Welshman defeated John Higgins 18-16 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to claim his third world title, 15 years after his last triumph.
Williams admitted he had gone for a late-night kebab on the morning of the match, which seemed to fuel his early dominance as he surged into a 4-0 lead. However, Higgins fought back with century breaks of 119, 127 and 117 to level at 7-7 before Williams regained control to lead 10-7 overnight.
The final session saw both players produce exceptional snooker, with Williams eventually prevailing 18-16. The victory makes Williams the oldest world champion since Ray Reardon in 1978, and he joins Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan as members of the famous 'Class of 92' who all turned professional 26 years ago.
Williams said: 'I can't believe I am back in a world final. John and I have played each other since we were about 13, so to be playing in a Crucible final for the first time is incredible.' He added that if he won, he would stick to his word and sit in the press conference with nothing on, holding an ice bucket.
Higgins, who was seeking a fifth world title, said: 'This final feels extra special just because Mark and I have been going at it since junior days. It just gets sweeter and sweeter every time getting into the final, and better as you get older.'
O'Sullivan praised both players, calling them 'true gladiators of the sport' and comparing them to Mexican boxers who grew up fighting each other. He noted that the junior and amateur circuits had hardened them before they turned professional, unlike the new breed of young players.
