Snooker; Williams hopes to be top of the pots

Feb 11 2007 Wales on Sunday

MARK WILLIAMS hopes his potty training comes in handy during his World Championship treble bid.

The former world No 1's fiancee Jo is expecting the couple's second child next month and Williams knows nothing snookers his form more than the baby blues.

The Welsh star went from world champ to snooker chump around the arrival of his son Connor in 2004, following up his second Crucible success in 2003 with a two-and-a-half year drought without a tournament win.

But Williams, like his beloved Manchester United, is on the comeback trail.

And the Cwm cueman is confident that he still has the ability and the dedication to rule the world again despite his impending arrival.

"It's great news that we've got another little 'un on the way," said Williams.

"It'll be a little sister for Connor, but we haven't thought of any names. I'm not sure how good it will be for my game though, because family is more important than potting balls.

"But we've moved back to Cwm from Cardiff now and we're surrounded by family. The club is only around the corner and if I must practise, I've plenty of willing baby-sitters on hand!

"Babies are a great leveller, as it doesn't matter how many titles or 147 maximums you can hit, if they're crying you can't talk about the time you once beat Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"And being able to do a trick shot doesn't get you out of nappy duty either.

"I'm not going to miss my kids grow up though, but second time around I'll be a little more experienced on how to balance baby and snooker.

"I'm practising a lot more now, much like I used to - and my form is returning slowly, but surely.

"I've got the bit between my teeth again and I'm determined to show that I can come back to hit top form again.

"I'm desperate to win the world championship again and join an elite list of three-times winners.

"To fight back and win the world title after my loss of form would rank as my greatest achievement. I've just got to do it now. Easy!"

Williams is determined to be top of the pots as well as top of the pops. Yet while his snooker career has shifted up a gear, the fast car fanatic has moved out of the fast lane from exotic sports cars to a more sensible family saloon.

"Bloody kids, they've got a lot to answer for!" said the laughing, doting dad.

Williams' world domination plans would receive a much-needed shot in the arm if the 31-year-old secures his third Welsh Open and 16th-career ranking title this week.

"I've still got it in me to win things," said the left-hander. "But I must be consistent and show I care about what I'm doing on the table.

"But there's so many talented lads on tour, it's getting more difficult."

The double world champ opens his home tournament against the winner of the Robert Milkins and Jamie Burnett clash.

Williams is one of just three players to secure snooker's hat-trick of top titles - but to regain No 1 spot an unprecedented third time won't be child's play.

"At one stage, I was in serious trouble of dropping out of the top 32," said world No 8 Williams. "But I thought to myself 'I'm too good for that.' It was a good kick up the bum.

"Now I want my kids to see me winning tournaments regularly. Not the bloke that nips off for a few days playing snooker, but is on the first bus home."

Meanwhile, fellow Welshman Ryan Day hopes to build on his Malta Cup heroics at the Welsh Open at the Newport Centre.

The 26-year-old had a career-best performance in Valetta to reach the final before losing to ex-world champ Shaun Murphy.

"It was a great week in Malta but I was disappointed to lose in the final," said Day, left. "But that experience will stand me in good stead for the next time.

"I'm now up to 12th in the latest rankings, so if I can do well in Newport, then I can virtually guarantee my top 16 place."

Day plays Ireland's Michael Judge in his first match while fellow Welsh hope Matthew Stevens plays the winner of the Mark Selby/Ian Preece clash.