'I'd run the M4 naked' - Williams targets snooker history

That's how desperate Mark Williams is to win a fourth world title. It's a bold statement, even in jest. When he last triumphed at the Crucible in 2018, Williams fulfilled a similar pre-tournament pledge to strip off in front of the world's media.

Williams beat John Higgins 18-16 in the final, adding to previous titles in 2000 and 2003, and appeared naked, save for a towel, at his post-match press conference. "I'd do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you're less likely to win it," he said prior to this year's event. If he does win, he might be willing to cause traffic chaos on the motorway, while it would mean he surpasses Ronnie O'Sullivan as the oldest ever world champion.

Mark Williams attended his press conference naked after winning his third world title in 2018 The 51-year-old from the small south Wales village of Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, came agonisingly close to achieving that milestone last year. The oldest ever finalist, he was eventually beaten 18-12 by Zhao Xintong who himself made history as the first Chinese, and Asian, world champion. Williams reached the final despite his deteriorating eyesight for which he is awaiting lens replacement surgery.

"If it goes wrong, that's the end. That's the only thing stopping me. I spoke to [former player] Anthony Hamilton, who also had it done, and because of the glare of the TV lights, it ruined his career," said Williams.