Mark Williams has just one aim left in his career after 'hardest final ever' at British Open

05/10/2023 12:51

Mark Williams took his ranking title tally to 25 on Sunday night at the British Open and says the only thing he is still aiming to do in snooker is be in the top 16 at 50 years old.

The three-time world champion remains one of the finest players in the game at 48 years old, proving it once again as he beat Mark Selby 10-7 in the final in Cheltenham to lift the British Open title for a third time.

The Welshman does not look like he’s nearing the end of his career but he is not setting himself goals to achieve before he does hang up his cue, other than one.

He wants to be in the sport’s elite top 16 when he hits 50, and given he is world number nine and in fine form after turning 48 in March, it looks like a goal that is very achievable.

‘There’s nothing, I’ve got nothing left to achieve or I’m trying to do. Just see if I can be in the top 16 when I’m 50, that’s the only aim really,’ Williams told .

‘If someone said to me today they can coach me at snooker and guarantee I’d be number one in 18 months, or a golf pro tell me I can get to scratch in 18 months, I’d pick the golf pro. I’d rather try and get to scratch than ever try and get back to number one.’

The record of oldest ranking event winner is held by fellow Welsh legend Ray Reardon who claimed the 1982 Professional Players Tournament at 50 years and 14 days, so that could be within Williams’ reach, but he is not overly fussed.

‘It’s different eras, they didn’t turn pro till they were 30-odd then,’ he said. ‘I’ve still got another two years before I get to his age to try and win one. The chances are very slim. If I’m around I’ll try, but the chances are very slim.’