Mark Williams exhibited remarkable composure during his recent victory over John Higgins at the prestigious World Championship, demonstrating that he truly has “ice in his veins.” The win marked another significant milestone in Williams’ illustrious career as he celebrated his 50th birthday while advancing to his eighth semi-final at The Crucible Theatre, the iconic venue revered by snooker enthusiasts around the world. Higgins, at 49, had staged a thrilling comeback by winning four consecutive frames, yet Williams managed to maintain his poise to ultimately secure the victory that left pundits Jimmy White and Alan McManus stunned.
Within the TNT Sports studio, the admiration for Williams was palpable, especially when McManus remarked on the player’s exceptional level of play, stating, “He has ice in his veins, this guy. I don’t know how he does it, quite honestly.” This quote encapsulates the mystique surrounding Williams’ mental strength and formidable place in snooker. McManus continued to praise Williams, asserting, “Mark Williams was absolutely fantastic; he was brilliant.”
The match climaxed dramatically when Higgins, after putting up a fierce fight, had a chance to sink the final blue ball. Unfortunately for him, it wriggled in the jaws of the yellow pocket, providing Williams with a golden opportunity to capitalize on the moment. Demonstrating his sharp skills under pressure, Williams executed a deft cut to seal the win and secure his place in the semi-finals.
In reflecting on their contrasting playing styles, Williams later suggested that he would have played the final blue with a gentler, ‘dead weight’ approach instead of the more forceful method Higgins employed. McManus noted that this difference in their strategies highlighted Williams’ cool demeanor: “It was fascinating about the blue at the end, Mark saying he would have rolled it dead weight. John will play it a certain way, Mark will play it a certain way. There is more than one way to get it done.” Emphasizing Williams’ composure further, McManus remarked, “He [Williams] is making a really good point, ice man, ice veins.”
Fellow commentator Jim White reflected on the match as one of the incredible displays indicative of snooker’s elite talent, noting that the combined age of the two players was nearly 100 years, yet they were still performing at the peak of their abilities. He expressed deep admiration for the extraordinary skill on display, exclaiming, “It was fantastic! These two guys, two of the best players in the world, 50 years of age. This blue is absolutely phenomenal.”
Meanwhile, this match also held poignant emotions for Higgins. Following his defeat, the seasoned player expressed sadness over the result, describing it as “heartbreaking.” McManus, having a close rapport with Higgins, conveyed empathy for his fellow Scot, stating, “The fact that John had the heart and the belief and the desire to go deep in the trenches, the way he did last year against Mark Allen, just says so much about the guy. My heart bleeds for him.” McManus’ words aptly illustrate the tight-knit camaraderie shared between elite athletes, even amidst fierce competition.
This encounter at The Crucible certainly underscored the enduring legacy of both Mark Williams and John Higgins in the realm of snooker, proving that their passion and competitive spirit remain undiminished despite their advancing years. Fans can continue to follow the exhilarating journey of the World Championship and gain access to live and on-demand matches through TNT Sports and discovery+. With such emotional highs and lows witnessed in this encounter, snooker continues to showcase moments that resonate deeply with its audience.
