Mark Williams was beaten in the World Snooker Championship final, and fellow icon Ronnie O'Sullivan previously revealed his true thoughts on the rival Welshman.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's thoughts on Mark Williams are known
Snooker legend Mark Williams once again defied time by reaching the Crucible final aged 50, with Ronnie O'Sullivan having previously declared that a player of such calibre 'shouldn't be allowed' to possess such extraordinary talent. The evergreen Williams carved his way through the World Snooker Championship field to face off in an epic final earlier this month, overcoming snooker giants like Judd Trump and engaging in a nail-biting clash with John Higgins.
Although he fell short of clinching his fourth world title, losing 18-12 to the formidable Zhao Xintong, Williams wowed audiences with a valiant comeback attempt during the final session. Off the back of his performance at the Crucible, snooker enthusiasts and professionals alike have been left in awe of Williams' enduring prowess, and fellow Class of '92 member O'Sullivan would have been among them.
The Rocket has previously expressed his admiration for Williams' skill, which extends beyond the green baize, recounting a tale of his brilliant transition from playing pool with heavier balls in China to competing at the highest level in snooker without missing a beat.
In an interview with ITV back in 2024, O'Sullivan spoke about Williams' remarkable adaptability, recalling an instance when he seamlessly transitioned back to snooker after a lengthy spell with a pool cue.
"He was out playing pool in China and came back the night before, playing with heavy balls for about a week," said O'Sullivan. "You go and try and play pool with heavy balls and a pool cue for a week, and then try and come back and play with snooker balls.
"You shouldn't be allowed. But that's what I'm saying, there's so much talent that he can adapt."
The 28-year-old quickly amassed a 7-1 advantage over Williams, and despite the Welshman's attempts to close the gap, found himself trailing 15-7. With the final evening session looming, Zhao was tantalisingly close to victory at 17-8, needing just one more frame, while Williams faced the Herculean task of winning 10 consecutive frames.
Williams ignited a glimmer of hope as he narrowed the scoreline to 17-12, yet ultimately couldn't complete the comeback. This display of skill and determination is why O'Sullivan has previously lavished high praise on his fellow competitor.
"For me, Mark's been the most consistent player over the last five years," O'Sullivan remarked in 2024. "His game's changed; you just know he isn't going to have a bad day. I haven't seen him have a bad day for five years.
"I know he's lost matches, we all do, but his level of consistency and the way he's hitting the ball is better than anybody hitting the ball. [Neil] Robertson hits it unbelievable, but Williams is hitting it like... the noise it makes when it comes off the tip. It's clean, clean striking and for me, and I know people say I'm the most, I think he's the most gifted snooker player I've ever seen.
"He's brave, his knowledge around the table, some of the shots he plays. He is, for me, up there with Jimmy White, maybe. I think Williams is as talented as anybody that's ever played this game without a doubt."
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