Mark Williams Vows to Run Naked Down M4 if He Wins Fourth World Snooker Championship

Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams has made a bold pledge ahead of the 2026 World Snooker Championship, vowing to run naked down the M4 motorway from London to Cardiff if he secures a fourth world title. The 51-year-old from Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, made the statement during a pre-tournament interview with BBC Sport Wales, echoing a similar promise he fulfilled after his 2018 victory at the Crucible.

Williams, a three-time former champion, said he would do “anything” to win another title, acknowledging that age makes victory less likely. “If he does win, he might be willing to cause traffic chaos on the motorway,” the BBC reported, noting that a triumph would witness him surpass Ronnie O’Sullivan as the oldest ever world champion.

Williams Follows Through on Past Promises

This is not the first time Williams has made such a pledge. After defeating John Higgins 18-16 in the 2018 final to claim his third world title, he appeared at his post-match press conference naked save for a towel. At the time, he joked, “It’s cold in here, init,” while preserving his modesty. He later admitted he had even threatened to cartwheel around naked if he won again the following year — a promise that, fortunately for onlookers, did not come to pass.

Health Concerns Loom Over Campaign

Williams’ bid for a fourth title comes amid ongoing health challenges. He has been dealing with deteriorating eyesight and is awaiting lens replacement surgery. Speaking to the BBC, he expressed caution about the procedure, citing the experience of former player Anthony Hamilton, whose career was negatively affected by glare from TV lights following similar surgery.

“If it goes wrong, that’s the end. That’s the only thing stopping me,” Williams said. “I spoke to Anthony Hamilton, who too had it done, and because of the glare of the TV lights, it ruined his career.” He added that while he eventually plans to undergo the surgery, he is uncertain whether it will happen this year, next year, or later.

In addition to his vision issues, Williams revealed earlier in 2026 that he has been struggling with the yips — a condition that causes players to suddenly lose the ability to execute basic skills — further complicating his campaign.

Tournament Begins at Crucible Theatre

Williams is set to initiate his 2026 World Championship campaign on April 18 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, facing qualifier Antoni Kowalski in his opening match. The tournament runs from April 18 to May 4, with the final scheduled for May 4.

Should Williams win, he would not only join an elite group of four-time world champions but also become the oldest player ever to claim the sport’s most prestigious title, surpassing Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record set in 2022.

Key Takeaways

• Mark Williams vowed to run naked down the M4 from London to Cardiff if he wins the 2026 World Snooker Championship.
• He previously fulfilled a similar promise after his 2018 title win, appearing naked (with a towel) at the press conference.
• A victory would make him the oldest ever world champion, surpassing Ronnie O’Sullivan.
• Williams is managing deteriorating eyesight and has been affected by the yips ahead of the tournament.
• The 2026 World Snooker Championship begins April 18 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Mark Williams ever run naked in public before?

Yes. After winning the 2018 World Snooker Championship, Williams appeared at his post-match press conference naked except for a towel, fulfilling a pre-tournament promise.

Why would winning the 2026 title make Williams the oldest ever world champion?

At 51 years old, a victory in 2026 would surpass Ronnie O’Sullivan’s age when he won the title in 2022, making Williams the oldest player to ever win the World Snooker Championship.

What health issues is Mark Williams facing?

Williams has been dealing with deteriorating eyesight requiring lens replacement surgery and has also been affected by the yips, a condition impacting motor control in sports.

When and where is the 2026 World Snooker Championship being held?

The tournament takes place from April 18 to May 4, 2026, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.