NIFTY FOR NEARLY 50
Snooker star Mark Williams, 49, is ‘not normal’ as world No3 is left stunned after Champion of Champions win
Welshman's staying power is hailed, 24 years after the first of his three world titles
MARK WILLIAMS has earned a "ridiculous" tribute after finally winning the Champion of Champions title - aged 49.
World No3 Mark Allen claimed it's "not normal" that the Welshman is still so good.
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Williams turned professional 32 years ago and lifted the first of his three world crowns back in 2000.
Nonetheless, he was close to his peak at times as he beat Xiao Guodong 10-6 in Sunday's final to win £150,000.
Williams said afterwards he was "over the moon".
And he's certainly not over the hill - judging by both his performance and the reaction of rivals.
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Xiao, 35, battled back from 5-0 down to trail just 5-4, helped by two century breaks.
But Williams then rattled off table visits of 104, 62, 80, 95 and 67 to clinch his maiden Champion of Champions glory.
Northern Irishman Allen posted on X: “Ridiculous again from Mark Williams... to still be one of the very best in the game at his age is not normal."
The 38-year-old added: "One of the all-time greats for sure. Enjoy your victory kebab.”
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The world No6 replied: “ty [Thank you] Pistol” - Allen's nickname.
And despite his 50th birthday coming next March, he stressed he's in no mood to stop competing at the top level.
I'm a world snooker champion but I get more nervous trying to win £100 in the bingo than I do for £150,000 major finals
Williams said: "I'm not going to retire - I'm enjoying it.
"What a feeling. I can't really believe it. I'm going to keep playing until I fall off the tour - whenever that is."
He also had a mischievous swipe at pal Stephen Hendry - after the veteran's decision to change his equipment was proved resoundingly right.
Williams told ITV4: "I had a new cue, which I knew I was going to struggle with, I knew I was going to lose two or three first-rounders.
‘I’ve been getting slated by a lot of people for changing cues - I’m not going to mention any names, Hendry.
"But it’s starting to come alright now and all of a sudden the cue is the best thing I’ve ever had in my hands."
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