Mark Williams having second thoughts as he issues update on career-threatening condition
Mark Williams having second thoughts as he issues update on career-threatening condition
Mark Williams faces Judd Trump in the Snooker World Championships at the Crucible today
Mark Williams of Wales
(Image: ai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images )
Welsh snooker star Mark Williams says he has "a big decision to make" over whether to undergo lens replacement surgery.
The 50-year-old is in the semi-finals of the Snooker World Championships and is currently level at 8-8 with Judd Trump heading into the final day of their last-four clash at the Crucible.
Williams revealed earlier this year that his "eyes had completely gone" and that his eyesight in general had deteriorated steadily over the last six months.
The cueist had been considering surgery to try to rectify the issue threatening his career but a conversation with a contemporary has put him off.
Williams said: "I have been reading up and talking to people who have had it done and I've got to be honest, it is putting me off a bit.
"I've got a big decision to make.
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"A couple of people I have spoken to, especially Anthony Hamilton at length, have said it is no good under the lights and it has ruined his career.
Mark Williams during his match with Judd Trump
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved )
"It has sort of put me under pressure.
"After this is finished, it is something I am going to have to look more into."
Williams has tried playing with contact lenses during matches but decided to go without them after talks with coach Lee Walker.
Should Williams overcome Trump in the semis he would face Zhao Xintong in the final after the Chinese star beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the other last-four tie.
"I am in the semi-final of the biggest tournament we've got," Williams added. "I am still playing all right. What do you do? Do I keep playing blurry? I don't know."
Xintong was full of praise for his "idol" O'Sullivan following his win on Friday.
"I can't believe that. I need to say thank you to Ronnie because he has helped me a lot before. He's my idol," Xintong said after beating O'Sullivan.
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"It's my first time playing on the single table here, it's an amazing time for me and I just want to enjoy it because I don't know how many times I can try to enjoy it here.
"I've played here and sometimes the crowd is helpful for Ronnie and he deserves that, he is a legend here so I needed to control myself."
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