"If I won this again next year, I'd do this again - I'd cartwheel round here naked"
Tuesday 8 May 2018 16:49, UK
Mark Williams vowed to perform naked cartwheels if he repeats his stunning World Championship triumph next year - after stripping off in celebration of his victory on Monday night.
The man nicknamed the Welsh Potting Machine withstood an incredible fightback from John Higgins to land his third Crucible title, a full 15 years after his second.
The 18-16 success made him the oldest winner at the Crucible since 45-year-old Ray Reardon in 1978, and Williams fulfilled a promise to hold his press conference naked - although he wore a towel to protect his modesty.
He made the suggestion as a joke earlier in the tournament, with the 43-year-old hardly believing he would carry home the silverware.
Williams was roared into the media room and said: "Cold in here, isn't it!"
Asked how his success felt, Williams said: "It feels a little bit uncomfortable at the minute. I had to wear the towel on the orders of Barry Hearn otherwise I would just have walked in, just crying.
"It's an unbelievable story. Twelve months ago I was thinking about chucking it, and here I am doing an interview having won the 2018 World Championship, naked.
"If I won this again next year, I'd do this again - I'd cartwheel round here naked.
"I'm going to party the night away. Last time I won it I think I had half a pint of milk and went to bed. I'm not going to bed this time - it'll be daylight before I get to bed."
Hearn, chairman of World Snooker, stood beaming at the back of the room.
The champion's young sons, Kian, Connor and Joel, witnessed the drama - having not been born when he previously triumphed in 2000 and 2003. Wife Jo was seriously ill at one stage earlier in the season but she too watched on in Sheffield.
Williams, who failed to even qualify for last year's World Championship, said of his family: "I'm sure they've enjoyed it. My missus couldn't stop crying for ages, I got a little bit emotional towards the end as well. I thought these days had all passed to be honest."
Williams admitted he was "away in my caravan, getting drunk and watching it on TV" when his fellow cuemen contested the 2017 tournament. No wonder he had a big night planned this time.
Defeated Higgins said: "Obviously I am disappointed but it was great to play in such an occasion in front of this crowd, and Mark is a brilliant champion."
Watch the Mosconi Cup in 2018 when it returns to London's iconic Alexandra Palace, live on Sky Sports from December 4-7. Can Team Europe make it nine in a row?
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