MARK WILLIAMS admits he’s terrified his title dream could unravel over a worrying flaw in his own game.
The three-time world champion laid bare his fears after a 10-8 blockbuster defeat to John Higgins at the Tour Championship – the final major warm-up before the Crucible.
Williams, 51, revealed concerns over his cue action, admitting he no longer fully trusts his technique under pressure.
And with the World Snooker Championship just weeks away, the Welsh legend fears the issue could strike at the worst possible moment.
To Channel 5, the Welshman said: “Tonight’s session was a lot better than this afternoon, which was a bit scrappy.
“He made a great break in the last frame, and probably owed me that for the last few close ones we’ve had.
“I tried, but would probably have rather lost 10-3 as I would have been halfway home.
“Overall, it was a struggle. I enjoyed it, but every time I have to hit the ball below centre with a tiny bit of pace.”
It marks a stark contrast for the world No.4, who reached last year’s Crucible final and remains one of snooker’s most dangerous players on his day.
The 51-year-old was also the oldest man to compete in a world final – but lost 18-12 to Zhao Xintong at the Crucible.
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William’s run to the final saw him wipe out Wu Yize, Hossein Vafaei, John Higgins and Judd Trump with charisma and class.
But this latest admission raises fresh doubts over whether he can go all the way again.
Williams said: “I think I might have the yips coming on because I just can’t play them any more.
“I’m jabbing and anything that needs a little bit of power, I’m frightened to death of it.
“It was something I was fighting all the way through.
“Not even long. Mid-range with a bit of screw on it, I wasn’t getting anywhere near it. Jabbing.
“Like I said, I feel like I have the yips coming on.”
Williams’ loss to fellow Class of ’92 rival Higgins showed glimpses of his quality, but also underlined the fine margins at the top level.
And unless he can regain full trust in his cueing, his bid for a fourth world title could quickly slip away.
Williams said: “The process should be practice, but I’m not going to touch my cue for a while now.”
