Newly-crowned world snooker champion Mark Williams will be catching up on some badly needed sleep when he returns home to Wales £425,000 richer for clinching his third global crown after an epic 18-16 victory over John Higgins.
But for middle son Kian, his time will be spent catching up on his schoolwork after revealing on BBC TV during the trophy presentation, he’s had a week off "ill" to watch his dad’s magic carpet ride to the world title at the Crucible Theatre, in Sheffield.
Kian was four years from being born when Williams last lifted the title in 2003 while oldest son Connor (14) and youngest Joel, who arrived in 2014, were all in Sheffield alongside wife Jo to see the Welsh potting machine, from Cwm near Ebbw Vale, take part in one the most gripping finals since that epic Steve Davis-Dennis Taylor clash way back in 1985.
Young Kian was called Williams’ ‘lucky charm’ at The Crucible and in the post-match interview on BBC TV, presenter Hazel Irvine wanted to know what the youngster thought of his dad’s amazing achievement on the green baize in becoming the oldest world champion at 43 since fellow Welshman Ray Reardon lifted the trophy in 1978, aged 45.
The youngster said: “He played good against, oh what was the first person you played?"
To which Williams replied: “Jimmy Robinson, you were supposed to be in school. You were supposed to be bad!"
Kian said: “I was in school then. I was in school for Robinson but I wasn’t in school for a week so I could watch him play.”
Irvine helped write the sick note for Williams by replying: “I think you’re going to be excused don’t you worry, you’re the man who kept this fella on track.”
