13-05-2025
Mark Williams receives salute from Mark Selby for what he did during snooker match
Mark Williams receives salute from Mark Selby for what he did during snooker match
Mark Selby and Mark Williams went head-to-head in an exhibition match at the Guangzhou Billiards Exhibition in China, with the latter wowing fans and even his opponent
Mark Selby salutes Mark Williams after losing a frame to the Welsh Potting Machine
(Image: X/Guangzhou Billiards Exhibition )
Mark Williams left old snooker rival Mark Selby saluting him after pulling off an audacious pot to win a frame.
The two faced off at the Guangzhou Billiards Exhibition in China, providing fans with a thrilling contest between two multiple world champions. Selby had already secured one frame when he and Williams found themselves locked at 60-60 in the second, leading to a decisive re-spotted black.
Faced with a challenging long-distance cut, the Welsh Potting Machine took on the shot and left spectators in awe as the ball rolled into the right-corner pocket. Given the friendly nature of the match, Selby thoroughly enjoyed the moment.
Williams returned to his seat sporting a smirk, accompanied by a roar from the crowd at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. When the camera focused on Selby, he was seen grinning broadly and applauding by slapping his knee.
He even caught Williams' attention and saluted him, leading to shared laughter between the pair, reports the Express. At the age of 50, Williams is playing some of the finest snooker of his career.
Earlier this month, he became the oldest player in the modern era to reach the final of the World Championship. Despite losing to Zhao Xintong, Williams walked away from the Crucible with a prize money of £200,000 and a renewed conviction that he can still compete for the biggest prizes in the sport.
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Mark Williams after his audacious pot against Mark Selby
(Image: X/Guangzhou Billiards Exhibition )
Williams' future could hinge on the upcoming weeks, as the three-time world champion faces challenges with his vision and a looming surgical procedure. Williams, whose sight has been failing him, is scheduled for an eye operation soon.
"I've tried playing with contacts but it's very difficult and really uncomfortable in my eyes," he admitted prior to the World Championship.
"I'm booked in on 12 June, I think, to get a lens replacement. If everything goes OK, hopefully that could prolong my career for another four or five years. That's what I'm hoping anyway."
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But as his time at the Crucible drew to a close, Williams confessed to having doubts. He 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.
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"I've got a big decision to make. 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. It has sort of put me under pressure. After this is finished, it is something I am going to have to look more into."
