Mark Williams defeated World Champion Kyren Wilson for the first time in his career, prevailing 6-5 in a classic clash to reach the semi-finals of the Grosvenor Casinos Champion of Champions.
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The pair had previously met on seven occasions, with Wilson coming out on top each time heading into this evening’s showdown.
Remarkably today also represents Williams’ first match wins in the Champion of Champions. This is his fourth appearance in the event. He defeated Bai Yulu 4-1 in his first match this afternoon, while Wilson beat Luca Brecel by the same scoreline.
The opener this evening went the way of Wilson with a break of 83. He had the first opportunity in frame two but missed a red to middle, which Williams ruthlessly punished with 109 to restore parity at 1-1.
Wilson reclaimed the lead by taking the third, before a contribution of 72 from Williams ensured they were all-square heading in for the mid-session at 2-2.
The Welshman took the lead for the first time in the match when play resumed, but Wilson immediately reeled him back to 3-3 with a run of 105. They continued to go blow for blow and three-time World Champion Williams then crafted a stunning 140 to go 4-3 ahead.
Williams moved one from victory after capitalising on an unexpected miss from Wilson to lead 5-3. The Crucible king showed his steel though and fired in a 123 break to stay in contention and then made 58 to claim the tenth on the pink and force a decider.
Williams had the first chance in the final frame, but spurned a red. However, Wilson then missed a cut back black when he got his opportunity. Williams stepped in and made a match winning 43 to book his place in Saturday’s semi-final.
Williams said: “I’ve been hitting it quite well when I’ve been having a knock with my coach Lee Walker. I can’t really be hitting it much better when I’m practising. It doesn’t come out so much on the match table, but a bit of it came out there," said 49-year-old WIlliams.
“I played well there and beat him 6-5. He’s one of the best players. I lost 10-9 on the black to Judd Trump in Saudi. I’m pushing these top players close. I don’t know how I am, but lets see how long it can continue.”
The action continues tomorrow with a mouth watering group featuring Judd Trump, Ding Junhui, Ali Carter and Neil Robertson.