Williams vows 'naked cartwheels' if he retains title

Newly crowned world champion Mark Williams has vowed to perform naked cartwheels if he repeats his stunning triumph next year — after stripping off in celebration of his nailbiting victory in Sheffield.

Williams, 43, withstood a stirring fightback from John Higgins to land his third Crucible title on Monday, 15 years after his second.

The 18-16 success made him the oldest winner 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.

Williams, who made the suggestion as a joke earlier in the tournament, was roared into the media room and said: “Cold in here, isn’t it!”

Asked how he felt, he said: “It feels a little bit uncomfortable at the minute. I had to wear the towel on the orders of Barry Hearn (chairman of World Snooker) 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.”

Scotland’s Higgins had battled back from 7-14 down to level at 15-15, making the most of his opponent’s mistakes before Williams nudged ahead and then made a century break to move 1 frame away from victory.

But Williams faltered, missing a pink that was match ball. Four-time champion Higgins had not expected another chance but came back to the table and cleared up. The Welshman, however, held his nerve in the next frame, a break of 69 taking him over the line.

The champion’s young sons witnessed the drama — having not been born when he previously won in 2000 and 2003.

The player, 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.”