Mark Williams has brushed off his unique World Snooker Championship introduction from announcer Rob Walker, saying he loves the banter and remains unfazed. The 51-year-old Welshman, bidding for a fourth world title, started his campaign with a 10-4 victory over Polish debutant Antoni Kowalski, setting up a last-16 clash with Barry Hawkins.
Walker's Playful Introduction
During the match, Walker gave Williams an unconventional introduction, joking about his youthful appearance and lack of haircuts. The MC said: '29 years ago on this very day, it was his turn to be the fresh-faced 22-year-old debutant with boyish good looks, a full head of hair and perfect vision. How little has changed in the intervening years! He hasn't been to a barber in decades, but lest we forget, he remains one of our all-time greats. Finalist at 49, three times a champion du monde, it wouldn't be a Worlds without Willo. Here he comes. The irrepressible, irreplaceable Mark J. Williams!'
The light-hearted remarks led some fans to wonder if Williams might be offended, but the famously relaxed three-time champion took it in stride.
Williams' Reaction
Asked about the introduction, Williams said: 'Yeah, cheeky little…! I liked it when he said…did he say something like, 10 years and not seen a barber? I liked that, that was good. Look, I don't mind what Rob says. He said to me: "You don't get upset, do you?" I say: "Rob, come on, you can say whatever you want to me, I couldn't give a monkey's. Just say what you want." I didn't think he was coming out with that! That was a good one. He's going to have to up that next time now. He can do whatever, he can say whatever he wants. It makes no difference to me. The more stick I get, the more I like it. That's why I'm on Twitter, for a bit of stick, really.'
Williams' Relaxed Attitude
Williams has long been known for his relaxed demeanour on and off the table, which he attributes to his family background. 'I just don't take the game too seriously,' he said. 'I've always said it for years. My father and grandfather between them, like 60-70 years, they were down a pit, digging coal for 13 hours a shift. I'm playing a little hobby sport really, some people don't class it as a sport. I'm playing something for a living. I haven't got to do nothing really, just go to the club, practise, go to the tournaments and try your best. I'm one of the lucky ones. You've got so many tournaments to play in now, it's fantastic to be involved in them.'
Williams previously joked he would run naked down a motorway if he wins the title again in his sixth decade. His next match against Barry Hawkins begins on Friday morning and concludes on Saturday night, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
