'I'm not prepared to put the work in' - Mark Williams ponders chances of becoming world No. 1 ahead of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters match

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Mark Williams says becoming world No. 1 is out of his reach, admitting he is "not prepared to put the work in" to catch up with current No 1 Judd Trump. The 50-year-old reached the final of the World Championship this year and is performing well at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, but he claimed reaching the top of the rankings would require him to "practise every day".

'Absolute wizardry' - Williams clears tough table to steal frame and continue strong start

Video credit: TNT Sports

Mark Williams said he is "not prepared to put the work in" to become world No. 1.

The Welshman made it to the final of the World Championship in May but was beaten by China's Zhao Xintong.

And, ahead of his Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters win over Shaun Murphy on Wednesday, he acknowledged that he was close to becoming the highest-ranked player in the world.

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Judd Trump is currently at the top of the rankings, with Kyren Wilson at No 2, followed by Williams.

"It is mad [being world No. 3 at the age of 50] because if you (look at) it, I was one ball away from winning this [Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters] last year, I was only one match away from winning the World [Championship]," Williams told TNT Sports.

"If I win those two games, that's £600,000 of ranking points there, so I wouldn't be far off No. 2. I don't know far off I was, but I wouldn't be far off chasing No. 1 spot.

"Although I know it's out of my reach, if I really dedicate myself and practise every day, I could possibly get it.

'Wow' - Watch as Williams cuts in remarkable long-range red against Murphy

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Obviously, it would be very difficult, but I think it'd be half a chance I could have a chase at it.

"But it's not going to happen because I'm not prepared to put the work in that you need to do it. But No. 3 in the world at 50 is incredible."

Williams was in fine form on Wednesday, dominating against Murphy in their last-16 meeting to win 6-1 and set up a clash with Elliot Slessor, who beat Stuart Bingham 6-5.

Murphy was never able to get into the contest, watching as Williams raced into a 3-0 lead, helped by classy breaks of 69 and 74.

Murphy won his sole frame to ignite some hope of a comeback, but he failed to capitalise on the momentum in the fifth frame and Williams pulled clear again.

A superb break of 102 in the seventh frame finished things off in style for Williams.

How to watch and stream the 2025 Saudi Arabia Masters

You can watch every day of the 2025 Saudi Arabia Masters live on TNT Sports, with all the action also available to stream both live and on-demand on discovery+.

What is the Saudi Arabia Masters prize money?

Winner: £500,000
Runner-up: £200,000
Semi-finals: £100,000
Quarter-finals: £50,000
Last 16: £30,000
Last 32: £20,000
Last 48: £11,000
Last 80: £7,000
Last 112: £4,000
Last 144: £2,000
147 Break: £50,000
Total: £2,302,000

Saudi Arabia Masters schedule

Wednesday August 13 – Round six
Thursday August 14 – Quarter-finals
Friday August 15 – Semi-finals
Saturday August 16 – Final

Watch and stream top snooker action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

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