WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Sheffield, 19 April - 5 May

JOE CALZAGHE v BERNARD HOPKINS
Las Vegas, Sunday 20 April from 0300 BST

By Peter Shuttleworth

Williams is gunning for his third Crucible crown

Mark Williams' eyes lit up brighter than the famous Vegas Strip when great mate Joe Calzaghe told him he was to fight in Sin City.

The two-time snooker World Champion was obviously elated for his prize-fighting pal from the South Wales Valleys.

But Williams also had a hidden agenda for planning a boys' tour to Las Vegas to watch Calzaghe take on Bernard Hopkins.

"I thought quality, casinos!" said Welshman Williams with a wry smile.

"I'm into poker in a big way so Vegas is the Mecca for me."

But suddenly reality dawned on Williams as his day job got in the way to put the skids on a pilgrimage to the entertainment capital of the world.

Williams' quest to become the seventh man to win three World Championships starts on Monday at 1900 BST as he faces qualifier Mark Davis at the Crucible.

"Bloody snooker always gets in the way," joked Williams.

"I'm so sick I can't go to watch Joe, I haven't missed one of his fights for a long, long time.

"I'd have loved Vegas as well, I haven't been there but I know Vegas and I would have got on famously."

MARK WILLIAMS FACTFILE Age: 33 From: Cwm Titles: World Championships (2), Masters (2), UK Championship (2), Welsh Open (2), Grand Prix (2), Thailand Masters (3), China Open (2), LG Cup, British Open, Irish Open Did You Know?: Williams is colour blind and has difficulty distinguishing between the red and brown balls

During down time at snooker tournaments, Williams can often be found playing cards with fellow poker nuts Steve Davis and Matthew Stevens.

"I got the clearance from the missus Jo to go," he said.

"I was on the internet planning this trip of a lifetime until it dawned on me the World Championships were the same time.

"I won't repeat what I said when I realised, let's just say I was gutted because sitting in a casino playing cards all day and night with a few beers is my idea of heaven.

"I probably wouldn't have needed a hotel room; I'd have laid my hat next to a poker table as soon as I got off the plane and made myself very comfortable."

This next few days are equally significant for both men - already among the elite in their respective sports but with their eyes on places among the greats.

Newbridge bruiser Calzaghe is stepping up from the super-middleweight division he has ruled for 10 years to the light-heavyweight kingdom guarded by trash-talking American Hopkins.

The two will collide in the Battle of the Planet at Vegas' Thomas and Mack Center in the small hours of Sunday morning as Calzaghe tries to break mega-rich America.

Once Williams has cheered on his boxing buddy, the cueman from Cwm - who lives just six miles up the Ebbw Valley from Calzaghe - will take the table to show the new kids on snooker's block that this old dog is not yet being put out pasture.

Calzaghe is stepping up from the super-middleweight division

Williams suffered an almighty slump after his all-conquering season of 2002/03 as he lost interest in snooker following the birth of son Connor in 2004 and dropped from world number one to out of the top 40 provisional charts altogether.

During his dark days, the 33-year-old left-hander hinted he might quit the game but Williams claimed those were hollow words.

"That was just frustrating talking, I'd never give it up," said Williams, whose career winnings alone top £3.5m.

"I just couldn't be bothered to practice but my passion has returned and, to be honest, I'm playing better than ever because I feel fresh after my mental break and have no pressure except that from within."

Those are ominous words from one of the finest players ever.

"If I could transform my form to the match table then everyone in snooker knows I could be a force again and I honestly believe I can win another world championship.

"Dropping to 40-odd in the provisional world ranking hurt my pride but I only had myself to blame.

"But my game is gradually improving I'm getting back towards the all-important top 16.

"I can tell you winning a world championship for the first time was hard but arresting this slump has been harder."

JOE CALZAGHE FACTFILE Age: 36 From: Newbridge Titles: Undisputed super-middleweight champion Did You Know?: Calzaghe is the longest-reigning current world champion

Unbeaten Calzaghe, on the other hand, does not know defeat but taking on Hopkins on his American debut is a step into the unknown for the 36-year-old southpaw.

"It's a big week for Joe and I, and we know it," Williams added.

"Joe is moving out of any comfort zone in a bid to beat a legend of a fighter in his own back-yard.

"It'll be hard but Joe loves pressure, he performs best when he has something to prove he wants to show the States that he isn't just another over-hyped British fighter.

"Joe's in great shape, I know because I went to watch him train the other week.

"He tries to get me to exercise but I can't be bothered with all that, I just sat and watched him spar with a few cans!

"I did a bit of boxing training as a kid but nothing serious.

"Joe likes snooker, however he plays more pool. He's good but I let him win, if I didn't he'd throw his toys out of the pram and give me a good slap.

"I don't upset people tougher than me!"