Half-Blind but Unstoppable: Mark Williams Triumphs Over Ding Junhui Amid Vision Crisis

Mark Williams secured a hard-fought 6-2 victory over Ding Junhui at the Players Championship, despite battling significant vision issues that have worsened over the past six months. The three-time world champion admitted after the match that his eyesight has deteriorated to the point where “everything is blurry,” leaving him contemplating corrective eye surgery.

Williams, who will turn 50 later in March, managed only one notable break of 64 in the match, but Ding also struggled to find his rhythm, allowing the Welshman to progress to the second round, where he will face reigning world champion Kyren Wilson. Speaking to ITV after his win, Williams expressed concern over his deteriorating eyesight, revealing that what initially affected only his long shots has now impacted his overall vision.

“It used to be just long pots that were blurry, but now everything is blurry,” Williams said. “The big scoreboard at the end of the table—I can’t even see it, I can’t make it out. It’s all a blur and seems to be getting worse every month. So considering I’m half-blind, this was a really good win for me.”

Despite his worsening vision, Williams remains committed to competing through the remainder of the season. Following the Players Championship, he has two more tournaments left, including the prestigious World Championship. After that, he plans to explore potential solutions, including laser eye surgery or other medical interventions.

Reflecting on the impact of his condition, Williams acknowledged that it has made his game significantly more challenging, particularly in safety play and long-distance shots. “It’s already tough enough to play at this level, but when you’re guessing at safety shots and long pots, it becomes even harder,” he admitted. “If anything’s close, I have no idea if it will go in or not—I just take the shot and hope for the best.”

Williams’ ability to adapt despite his vision struggles underscores his resilience and experience in the sport. However, he recognizes that the time may have come to seek medical assistance. “I have to do my best for now and then look into it more after the World Championship,” he said. “I’ll see about laser treatment or something else that can be done. Maybe now is the time to go for it.”

As one of snooker’s most enduring figures, Williams’ determination remains unwavering, but his battle with deteriorating vision poses a significant challenge. How he navigates the remainder of the season—and whether he opts for surgery—will be crucial in shaping the next phase of his illustrious career.