Mark Williams sends warning to World Championship rivals after opening win

The three-time champion found himself 4-5 behind after Sunday’s first session but was typically unfazed and knocked in four half-centuries on Monday en route to a comfortable win, in the end.

‘I didn’t think I played that bad the first session, to be honest. He kept clearing up on me, he did two brilliant clearances,’ Williams told the BBC.

‘So I was a bit unfortunate to be 4-5 down. You’re not out of it, first to 10, I know that, I’ve been here many times. I came out today, played well and made some good breaks.’

The 47-year-old, as always, is a threat in this event and is pleased with his form, despite not picking up a title so far this season.

On his form, he said: ‘I think it’s quite good, we haven’t had that many tournaments to play, but I think it’s been pretty decent.

‘I just haven’t won any tournaments, but winning tournaments is difficult. I’m really not expected to win tournaments at my age, but I’m a danger to anyone and I can be a thorn in people’s side.

‘I’m still here fighting, I can still give anyone a good game on my day.

‘I’m tough to beat, I think I’m moulding into a more all-rounded player than I used to be 20 years ago. I can’t pot as well as I used to, but I’ve got a good all-round game, solid.’

Up next for Williams is an appealing clash with Luca Brecel, who came through a deciding-frame 10-9 win over Ricky Walden on Sunday.

The Belgian Bullet sensationally claimed he had only done 15 minutes of practice in the last three weeks before the tournament, although Williams would not be drawn on the subject.

‘Good for him,’ said the Welshman. ‘I’m not really interested, I just play my own game, worry about my own game, when you shake hands it doesn’t really matter.’

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