Overview
- Mark Williams said he would run naked down the M4 from London to Cardiff if that guaranteed a fourth world crown.
- A win this year would make him the oldest world champion, surpassing Ronnie O'Sullivan's age mark.
- He is awaiting lens-replacement surgery and says a bad outcome could end his career, citing Anthony Hamilton's struggle with TV glare after a similar procedure.
- He says he has the yips, which can suddenly disrupt fine motor control, and plans near-daily practice to restore his timing before the tournament.
- He opens against qualifier Antoni Kowalski after reaching last year's final, where he lost to Zhao Xintong and became the oldest ever finalist.