© AP
Mark Williams (WS-6) will not win the World Snooker Championship for a fourth time this year. The world champion of 2000, 2003 and 2018 was eliminated 10-9 in the first round at the Crucible Theater in Sheffield by the Chinese Si Jiahui (WS-23), who at 21 years old is no less than 28 years younger than Williams.
Just two weeks ago, Williams won the Tour Championship by beating world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-5 in the final. As a result, he went to The Crucible as one of the favorites.
The 21-year-old Si, who was last year’s World Cup revelation with a semi-final, was immediately a tough draw. ‘The Welsh’ Potting Machine’ didn’t let it get to him. He started his match with an excellent 142-century and also potted away breaks of 57 and 63 for a 4-5 lead after the first session. On Tuesday afternoon, Si won four frames in a row via breaks of 63, 61 and 67. Williams fought back to 8-7 and also pulled off a decider with a 51 break, but Si finished it off with a 77.
After the match, Williams, 49, was asked if he would return to the Crucible. “I’ll be 50 next year and then you’ll look around. But I still enjoyed every minute of it. I don’t know if I’ll return here. I am not concerned about my future, I can only say that this was a very difficult match.”
“Fingers crossed you’ll see me play next year, but I’m turning 50 and can’t go on forever.”
Williams also believes that 21-year-old Si could become the first world champion from China.
“He certainly has the potential to win the World Cup. Whether it is this year, who knows, it might be tough.”
Si responded: “I am very happy with these compliments. It means a lot because they come from him, a snooker legend. I’m glad I was able to beat him. I will do my best now, but I don’t think I have the level yet to become world champion.”
In the eighth finals (best of 19), Si again faces a Welsh opponent. Jak Jones (WS-44) avoided a Chinese match by beating Zhang Anda (WS-11) 10-4.
After the Englishman Mark Selby (WS-5), eliminated 10-5 on Monday by his compatriot Joe O’Connor (WS-30), WIlliams is the second multiple world champion to disappear from the tournament in the first round.