Phil Haigh ✍️
Ben Woollaston picked up a big win over Mark Williams at the British Open on Tuesday, despite having to deal with chronic fatigue syndrome which is making snooker a struggle.
The 35-year-old beat the defending champion 4-1 in Milton Keynes to book a spot in the third round, but he wasn’t just having to face a three-time world champion.
The world number 44 explained how his illness means he cannot practice for long periods, but he is dealing with it as best he can and is pleased to say things appear to be improving.
‘It has got better recently so I am trying to be positive,’ the former Welsh Open finalist told WST. ‘On the good days I feel 60 or 70 per cent of my usual self, but then I have days where I just completely crash.
‘I can only practise for one or two hours a day and it’s hard to look after my kids when I’m at home. [Wife] Tatiana has been a massive support but it has been hard for her as well.
‘Some people never recover from this kind of illness but I am hopeful because in the last few months I have been better.
‘I am doing my best in matches and I have managed to win a few this season. I have no expectations. Tonight’s win was one of my best in recent seasons and the short matches suit me better.’
Less seriously, Woollaston was also hit with cramp as he got over the line against Williams, rolling in the final ball of the match but clearly struggling with his leg.
Stephen Hendry joked on ITV: ‘Snooker is a very physical sport, it’s dangerous out there. There are pitfalls all round a snooker table!’
Williams was one of a number of big names to fall on Tuesday at the British Open, with John Higgins losing to Yuan Sijun, Kyren Wilson falling to Barry Hawkins and Stuart Bingham beaten by Zhao Xintong. Hawkins and Zhao both turned in superb performances to win those matches.
With Ronnie O’Sullivan already out and Neil Robertson not entering the event, things are wide open just three days into the venue stage of the tournament.
Williams, who admitted he has not done much practice in recent weeks, was not impressed with his own performance, tweeting: ‘Not the worst I ever played, but has to be in the top two.’
Woollaston goes on to face Jak Jones in the third round on Wednesday evening.
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