Mark Williams was visibly emotional after beating Ronnie O’Sullivan to win the Tour Championship final on Sunday night. Williams was a 10-5 victor in a ‘Class of 92’ final in Manchester despite having trailed 5-3 coming into the evening session. The 49-year-old, playing in his first ranking final against O’Sullivan since 2000, could be seen holding back tears during the post-match interview.
The Rocket showed his class as he waxed lyrical about the veteran Welshman. Williams was noticeably fighting back his emotions as his three sons stood to his right. And then handed the microphone and asked about his triumph, the Welsh Potting Machine said: “Yeah not bad. I played well all day.
“I was 3-1 up, then I went 5-3 down. He played unbelievable. I thought, sometimes you’ve just got to hold your hands up and admit your opponent is too good. But I took it to him, I played well. He [one son] comes everywhere. These two only come up to watch Ronnie to be honest with you.
“They said they were supporting me but they’re not really! The crowd has been fantastic all week, giving everybody great support. Thanks to everybody. I can’t believe I won to be honest.”
ITV interviewer Rob Walker then said: “I can tell there’s a little bit of emotion there Mark. You’re such a nice guy. The week has been spellbinding.
“You produced one of the greatest clearances we’ve ever seen to win the decider against Tom Ford and you’ve beaten the world’s number one, two and three this week. It’s been magnificent from you.”
To which Williams responded: “It’s not bad for a part timer! I’m a part-time pool player now. Yeah but what can I say? I never thought I was going to win tournaments at 48 and 49. I’ve just won another one.
“Who knows? The World Championship is around the corner. He’s the man to beat. You never know, I’ll try my best. Like Ronnie said, I’m a better all-round player now than I’ve ever been. Considering I don’t practice that much to be honest!
“I just try my absolute nuts off. I mean I can’t really say much, I’m just absolutely over the moon. To have all the family up here as well to watch is brilliant. I beat Judd Trump, Mark Allen, Ronnie O’Sullivan – the three best players in the world. I haven’t done it the easy way! I’ve won, not easy, but quite well.”
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