Three-time world champion Mark Williams switching sports as he enjoys it more than playing snooker
SNOOKER legend Mark Williams has revealed he is now focusing on pool because he “enjoys” it more.
The three-time world champion, 49, is part of the famous “Class of ’92” alongside four-time Crucible winner John Higgins and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
His last world title triumph came back in 2018, but he remains one of the best players around with a ranking of No8.
And he even claimed the British Open title back in October, his second win in three years at the event.
Yet despite still being a major force in snooker, he has turned his attention to Chinese 8-Ball pool.
He was recently beaten by Zheng Yubo, widely regarded as one of the best in the game, at the Joy Cup World Heyball Masters Grand Finals in Qinhuangdao.
But that has not deterred him as he spoke glowingly about the format.
Williams, who will return to snooker for the Tour Championship this week, said: “I probably enjoy playing Chinese 8 ball rather than snooker, to be honest.
“I just want to play more, I’d like to play more tournaments this year to see if I can get any better.”
He then went on to add: “I’m definitely not retiring, but a lot more pool is on the horizon for me.”
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Williams’ comments come after he made a prediction earlier this season that a lot more snooker stars will turn to pool.
Speaking to SportsBoom, he said: “I think if it doesn’t clash with tournaments, I think a lot more [snooker players] will play in it.
“I’m going the other way and if a couple of the tournaments do clash with snooker events then I’ll pick the Chinese pool over the snooker tournaments.
“I enjoy it. It’s the number one game in China. The following that it’s got is massive.
“The prize money is big, but I don’t think a snooker player has a chance against the top Chinese boys, unless you really practice hard at it.”