Jamie Clarke has the chance to beat Mark Williams at the UK Championship for the second year on the spin and sees no problem with the challenge, other than – crucially – the three-time world champion being so good.
Clarke has had a string of good results to reach the last 16 in York, with impressive wins over Jordan Brown and Dave Gilbert in qualifying and then another great victory over Kyren Wilson in the last 32.
Williams arrived at the last 32 stage and did enough without sparkling to beat Fan Zhengyi in his opener, setting up the all-Welsh clash with Clarke on Wednesday evening.
The pair met in the last 32 in 2022 and Clarke triumphed, although Williams was battling food poisoning as well as his opponent.
‘I went out there with a pair of boxers on, by frame three they were gone, that’s all I can say really,’ said the veteran, leaving minds boggling in the process.
Clarke says that the legend of Welsh snooker is someone he has looked up to over his career, but that won’t be bothering him when they meet again in York.
The only issue he has with playing the world number world number nine is that he is still one of the very best players on the planet even at 48 years old.
‘No I have no problem playing Mark, obviously as I said last year it’s somebody I’ve always looked up to,’ Clarke told BBC Wales. ‘Naturally all the Welsh boys look up to Mark Williams, Matthew Stevens.
‘I have a problem playing Mark because he’s so good! I don’t like playing any of the top players, but it’s an all Welsh battle and I’m genuinely just looking forward to playing out there.’
Clarke is capable of competing with the best but has struggled for consistency and is relishing the chance of taking on a legend on one of the biggest stages in the sport;
‘The last year has been difficult because I haven’t really been enjoying it as much as I’ve wanted to but going out there and playing Mark on such a big occasion, I’m hoping I’ll feel nervous because that’s what you go out to play for. The adrenaline and the buzz, the cameras, the media, people watching at home.
‘There’s a lot of people watching this tournament and I’m just looking forward to the experience. If I win gerat, if I lose I’ll go home and wish Mark all the best.’
MORE : Ronnie O’Sullivan says he has been ‘asked to consider his future’ by snooker bosses
MORE : Ronnie O’Sullivan feeling improved but also his age as he breezes through UK Championship opener
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Snooker News Click Here
