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Mark Williams

Mark Williams World championship winning snooker star

Born:
21 MAR 1975
Place of Birth:
Cwm
Famous For:
Twice world snooker champion
Trivia:
Williams also took up boxing as a youngster.
Biography:
Williams is one of Wales's most successful snooker stars, having twice won the world title.

He honed his craft from the age of 11 at the Emporium in Bargoed, a hall he still visits to this day.

But it wasn't a case of misspent youth - he impressed onlookers with his calmness and composure which soon helped him become one of the game's leading amateurs.

On turning professional, Williams soon established himself as a leading contender, with the 1996 Regal Welsh Open one of his first major titles.

Victories followed in the 1998 Benson and Hedges Masters and in the 1999 UK Championship, although he was disappointed to lose to Stephen Hendry in the world final that year.

However, Williams achieved his dream in 2000, when he beat Matthew Stevens 18-16 to lift the world title in the tournament's first ever all-Welsh final.

But the world number one hit a disastrous run of form, going more than two years without a tournament victory on home soil.

Coaching from former world champion Terry Griffiths and inspiration from Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe's latest victory helped Williams break his hoodoo with a thrilling 10-9 win over Ken Doherty to lift the UK title in December 2002.

He followed that with the Masters title, before securing his position as world number one by beating Doherty in another close-run final to take the 2003 world title at the Crucible.

Moment of Glory:
Beating fellow Welshman Matthew Stevens to become world champion for the first time in 2000. But was coming back from a poor run of form to claim his second world title in 2003 even sweeter?

your comments

Edward Howard
I live in Ystrad Mynach and I play a lot of pool and a bit of snooker so I think having a Welsh champion who lives by me is cool. Well done Mark.

Ikhwan Nasir from Malaysia
Mark Williams is my fave player & also he is my icon & role model. He become one of only 3 player (since Steve Davis & Stephen Hendry) to win the UK, Masters and World championship in one season. That shows Mark is the greatest, and also he is the special one in snooker.

Jane from South Africa
Congratulations on your achievements Mark. I believe we might have some ancestry in common. If you should happen to be a descendant of Evan Williams and Caroline Battle, I would love to know!

Carol Brownsword gosport hants
Leaving Cwm 38 years ago Mark was only a twinkel in his dad's Delwin eyes. The only thing to come from Cwm was Victor Spinetti. So it is nice to see someone else from home make it big. Congratulations Mark.

Brian Murray from Schiedam, Holland
I'm pleased to see Mark getting back to form again, although he hasn't won anything for a couple of years he is still one of the most natural players in the game. Sorry that he lost to Stephen Maguire in the UK semi-finals. PS Can you tell me the reason that Mark uses his left hand when he shakes hands with his opponents?

Belinda Smith, Cwm
Iya well done Mark. Mega player aii. Ann from the Chinese in Cwm said hiya c ya round xxxxxxx

Wayne Dobbs, Cwm, Ebbw Vale
Just like to congratulate mark on all his titles, especially the 2 world titles. Well done butt, let's have more of it in the future.

Chad Price, Cwm
Hi Mark - you are the best snooker player. I hope you will win the China tournament next season. I'm happy when I was playing football with you down the field.

Ryan Matthews, Ebbw Vale
He is a very good snooker player. I really like him. I hope Mark will win the Chain open tournament next year.

Nadina from Oradea, Romania
Congratulations! I wish I could go and see you playing live one day :p You rock! Just keep it like that:*

Ben from Stafford
Mark has always been my all time favourite snooker player. He may not have hit top form recently but when he is on top form he can beat anybody. Mark you are the biggest legend ever!

Andrew from St Athans
Mark you are a legend and an inspiration to the Welsh. Keep up the good work, and I wish you good luck for the future.

Irene Robertson, Tayport, Fife
Watched Mark in Pot Black today - he was brillant. Although I am Scottish and we have some great players I have a soft spot for Mark - thrilled when he wins. Pleased he is back on top again - keep up the good work, Mark.

Anonymous from Cwm
When I moved to Cwm a few years ago I was unaware that Mark William's parents lived up the street! I've seen Mark several times whizzing through the village and I've even seen him at his parents' house. Brilliant player and I'm sure he's been many lads' inspiration here at Cwm.

James Kirk from the Channel Islands
Mark you're my player. My dream is to meet you and shake your hand and get your autograph. I think you are the most talented player ever and you better have more room in the trophie closet because there is more trophies coming your way.

Andrew Tiffin from London
It was good seeing Mark J Williams win the China Open in the 2005/06 season. It was his first ranking win since the 2003 LG Cup.

Nicola & Barry from Llanelli
I just want to say that Mark Williams is awesome! I have just had a kidney transplant and what makes it even more special is that I received it on Marks birthday!!

Glenn Blanchard
I am glad that Mark won the China Open and I am glad to say that he is my cousin. I hope to see you again.

Whitey (lifeguard at Newbridge Leisure Centre)
Keep slotting them away Sparkster!!

LL Star
Williams is on top of China Open! He is back!!!!

Paul Blanchard from Barry
Mark is a Welsh star that shines bright for all his countrymen. If he was great all of the time he would be boring and we have enough bores in the game of snooker already, be yourself do your best and your country will be with you. When the pressures on Mark get your bike out and chill its amazing how it refreshes the mind.

usman sarwar from bradford
well this is not actually an opinion i am 13 years old and i just wanted to tell mark that he should not get any pressure on his head and another tip mrk if you cant pot it play a good safety for an opening that your apponent will give you and believe me this worked for me when playing my mates dad whose highest break is 60 odd and mine is only 30 and there is the answer rushing is not the answer and i think you are a top player just give it your best shot thanks

olivia lobb hartlepool
hi mark hope you read this it is liv say hi to auntie joanne and connor for me lots of love olivia p.s HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Steve Jackson from Dublin
Mark Williams and Steve JacksonI met Mark Williams while I was on holiday in Majorca. Apart from being one of snooker's greatest players he is a genuine, nice, down to earth guy. We first met in Burger King and then later on the sea front in Cala Bona.

thomas davies from cardiff
i know you're not at your highest right now but we know if you practise you can still be the best in the world. by the way, u r my favourite snooker player ever.

Nick Rogers Bridgend
I think if Mark holds is concentration for longer periods he will be back on top. His cueing action is as good as ever. The only thing holding him back is the flaw in his concentration.

Diane from Exeter
My husband and I are having an argument and a large bet (£100) but we can't find the answer to our dispute. Can anyone tell me if it was Ronnie who had his head shaved after a drunken night out with his friends who shaved his head?? Or was it Mark Williams? There's a lot hanging on this answer!!

Jimmy Jaroe from Mother Russia
you have inspired me to take part in snooker. thank you!

Jayesh Rathod from London
I think that Williams is good with his long potting and certainly deserved that 147 maximum break in the first round (of the 2005 World Championship). Hopefully he will become world champion for the third time in his career.

Ben Stafford
Well what can we say Mark you are a legend, I was so pleased for you getting the maximum in the 2005 world championship. You are my idol and I play a lot of snooker and I always want to be able to play like you. You are my favourite player and always will be.

Jimmy Wong from Singapore
Congratulations!!

Fahad From Galway
Mark, fair play on getting the 147 in 2005 world championships, u deserve it and hope 2 c u continue this great form next season, ps enjoy the prize money ;)

Adnan Hasan from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
this guy is amazing, the way he is on the table , so calm, concentrated. i love this game but i cant improve it i have been playing it for the past 3 years every week for 3-4 hours but i cant go further and still i am not able to give a break over 20-25, i need some tips to continue playing rather ending up quiting this game.. please gimme some advice and if wish i could get a cd on the world most famous players tips and tricks so that i can improve my self. thanks

Duanne Jackson from Colwyn Bay
I think Mark Williams is a amazing player and I think he is playing good but could still play better and get back to his world championship winning form

Jamie Snook from Blackwood
He's an amazing player and I back him 100% in the future. I hope his career gives him great riches.

Moomin from Sheppey
How can I get in touch with Mark Williams is there a fan club or something....? Am searching for his bud Christopher....ginger drinker travelled with him sometimes....someone help!

Paul Carter Ellesmere Port
I think Mark could win the Wembley Masters. If he pots as many balls as he can, and if he practices hard enough to win the Welsh open tournement final.

Mark Williams from Indiana USA
Greetings from the heartland of the USA. Congratulations to you and I hope you continue your winning streak. By the way, you have a blessed name.

Alan McGorian, Derby
I'm his cousin and he deserves all the plaudits u r giving him. Many thanks.

Paul Carter Ellesmere Port
Mark.I ve been supporting you for 5 years & I still do because you are the most best single ball Potter ever in the whole wide world & when I play Pool I Pot as many balls as I can as well as you & also I ve won a Pool tournament final at college by becaming from 1-0 down & then came fighting back 2-1 againest Ashley Fearon & I won a ten Pound note for that then P.S mr Paul Carter

Paul Carter from Ellesmere Port
I just want to say my congratulations Mark on your MBE - you deserve it.

Baboon from Baboons
Somehow, I think I'm a bit late for this. However, even if no-one reads this I would like to congragulate Mark on his fantastic skills and all those trophies he's won. For any fellow Mark Williams fans, I am considering starting a fan club for the great man. I intend to call it 'Markvellous'.

Paul Carter from Ellesmere Port
The best single ball potter ever. I would like to see the video of the World Champion 2000 with David Vine talking to him & Matthew Stevens after he won the 34th frame.

Austin Cunningham from Galway
Well done Mark on winning the world title again in 2003. I would have preferred it if Ken won, as I'm Irish, but I think you deserved to win on the night. Good luck for 2004. Hopefully Ken might be able to get a bit of revenge sometime.

Khoa V from Sydney Australia
Hi Mark - I think you are the most dominant and talented player I've ever seen. I just like to know how did you become the best potter in the world? Watching you strike the ball is a sight for sore eyes - keep it up.

Nina from Glasgow
Congratulations to Mark for winning the LG Cup - he was superb - and to John (Higgins) for getting the 147. I like both of them but Mark was the better player on the night but it was great to see John back to his best.

Paul Carter from Ellesmere Port
I just want to say congratulations Mark for winning the world championship for the second time (2003) - when I grow up I want to be just like you...You are my favourite snooker player ever in the whole wide world. I remember we shook hands on February 16 2002.

Ebbw Vale Life

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