Three-time snooker world champion Mark Williams left the Alexandra Palace audience in disbelief for all the wrong reasons at the 2025 Masters.
The ‘Welsh Potting Machine’ experienced a moment from hell during Monday’s matchup against Ding Junhui. Tied at one frame apiece, Williams was leading 41-7 and lining up a straightforward shot at the blue to middle pocket.
But The Mirror reported it soon became clear the 49-year-old had miscalculated. The look on Williams’ face said it all as he totally miscued the ball, kissing the blue without the purpose of presenting Ding his chance.
And Ding didn’t hesitate to capitalise on the situation, wrapping up the third frame to lead 2-1. Williams fought valiantly for a comeback and took the lead on two occasions, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 6-5 defeat.
“Wow,” said commentator Dennis Taylor following Williams’ misjudgement. “Now we’ve seen everything, Mark. We’ve talked about that tip that Mark Williams has and how hard it is. I can’t remember him miscuing it much, but what a time to miscue.”
Ding advances to the quarter-finals, where he’ll play either Barry Hawkins or Judd Trump. But for Williams – who previously secured the Masters title in 1998 and 2003 – this year’s quest for silverware is at its end.
“He had one hell of a run with the balls but those are the fine margins,” he said following the narrow defeat. “I think the run of the ball cost me but I’ve had plenty in my time. You still have to make the breaks and he did.”
Ding has reached the final on each of the three previous occasions he’s ousted Williams at a Triple Crown event. And he may now see a route to this year’s decider after Ronnie O’Sullivan’s unexpected withdrawal.
O’Sullivan lamented his withdrawal during a recent interview with Eurosport: “It was a nightmare decision really to make. If you had asked me on Sunday if I was ready to play, I’d probably have been OK. It is such a massive tournament.”
Williams – who made it to the Masters final in 2023 – has now faced first-round exits in five of his last seven Masters appearances. And he’ll rue one mistake in particular as he looks to bounce back from this latest disappointment.