‘Not from a coaching manual!’ - Mark Williams produces unorthodox safety at Welsh Open before touching ball debacle

ByEurosport

Updated 28/02/2022 at 22:58 GMT

Mark Williams is renowned for his unorthodox approach to snooker. And the three-time world champion was at it again in his match with Michael Judge at the Welsh Open. The Class of ’92 graduate found himself in a tricky position, and could find no help from the cross rest, spider or swan. Thus, the 46-year-old elected just to tap the white with the tip of his cue.

'You won’t see that very often, I can tell you' - Williams produces ingeniously unorthodox safety

Mark Williams is one of the best players to ever grace the sport. He is also one of the most unorthodox players to pick up a cue.

He has drawn some criticism for his unique approach to the break-off.

However, during his match against Michael Judge at the Welsh Open he used his creativity to get himself out of a tight spot in the fourth frame against the Irishman.

Welsh Open

Llandudno to host Welsh Open LIVE on Eurosport

23/06/2022 at 17:20

“Something different,” said 1986 world champion Joe Johnson as Williams sized up the cue ball before edging it with the tip of his cue.

“That is not really from Joe Davis’ coaching manual is it? But it did the trick!” added Dave Hendon on commentary.

“You won’t see that very often, I can tell you!” added Johnson.

And then later in the same frame, Williams was the beneficiary of a touching ball debacle. Judge produced a solid safety shot, but there was one problem, he had assumed that it was a touching ball and it was not.

Match referee Tatiana Woollaston – looking on incredulously – said: “It didn’t hit the red and it wasn’t touching ball! I didn’t say touching ball! Foul and a miss, Mark Williams, four.”

Williams would put Judge in again, and the Irishman would deliver another fine safety shot. He would eventually emerge with the frame but would ultimately lose 4-1.