Vintage Williams Shines in Wuhan Showdown as Welsh Youngsters Make Their Mark
Veteran snooker star Mark Williams praised the rising Welsh talent after edging out teenager Liam Davies 5-3 in a gripping round two clash at the Wuhan Open.
The three-time World Champion made a flying start, producing vintage snooker with back-to-back century breaks of 125, 100, and 137 to storm into a 3-0 lead. He then extended his advantage to 4-0 at the mid-session interval, looking every bit the seasoned pro. But 19-year-old Davies, the former European Under-21 champion, mounted an impressive fightback after the break.
Displaying composure and flair beyond his years, Davies rattled off three consecutive frames, including fluent breaks of 61 and 94, to close the gap to 4-3. However, Williams showed his experience under pressure, compiling a steady 70 to clinch the match and seal his place in round three, where he’ll face Joe O’Connor.
Speaking after the match, Williams, 50, was full of praise for his young opponent. “He never gave up, made some fantastic breaks, and pushed me all the way,” said the world number five. “Both Liam and Jackson Page are as good as many of the top Chinese players. It’s great to see some Welsh lads coming through again.”
Williams also reflected on his current form: “My game is still there, but I’m not as consistent as I used to be. Some sessions I’m great, the next I’m dreadful—but I’m still enjoying it.”
Elsewhere, Barry Hawkins survived another final-frame decider, edging past Jamie Jones 5-4 in a tense finish. World number one Judd Trump eased past Farakh Ajaib 5-1, and Mark Selby overcame Michael Holt 5-2 to set up a third-round showdown with David Gilbert.
