Mark Williams’ hopes of claiming a fourth world title ended in the first round of the tournament after a narrow defeat to Si Jiahui. The former world champion, aged 49, battled back from a 5-4 deficit on Monday’s first session, but Si fought back to lead 8-5. Despite Williams leveling the match at nine frames each, he left a red in the decider, allowing Si to secure a match-winning break of 77.
Speaking after the match, Williams hinted that he may retire before the next World Championship, admitting he can’t keep going on forever.
“Who knows what will happen? I cannot keep coming to this venue,” said the Welshman. “I am 50 next year. I look around and I have loved every minute of it. If I will be back next year, I don’t know. Who knows? You can’t keep going on forever.”
“I will miss it. Fingers crossed you will see me play next year but who knows? It’s a tough game, and tough to keep getting back to these venues. You have to treat it as if you are not going to get back here.”
“Si was excellent. I didn’t play very well throughout the match. His break at the end was one of the best you will see. If he can do those breaks more frequently, then he’s a future world champion, no question. He has the potential to win it. Whether it is this year, who knows?”
Williams was not the only shock exit in round one of the World Championship, with last year’s winner Brecel also falling at the first hurdle. The Belgian became the latest victim of the so-called ‘Crucible curse’ against qualifier David Gilbert, who earned a surprise 10-9 win over the defending champion.
Mark Selby, who was beaten by Brecel in last year’s final, was also dumped out at the hands of debutant Joe O’Connor. Ali Carter, meanwhile, was defeated by Stephen Maguire as the Scot battled back from 5-4 down to claim a hard-fought 10-7 victory.
