MARK WILLIAMS has jokingly thanked pal Lee Walker for ruining Ronnie O’Sullivan’s time on the baize.
Willo, 49, has no qualms with his long-term friend and coach working with his rival on the Road to the Crucible.
But the Rocket – who plays Jamie Clarke on Tuesday in the Welsh Open first round – has not exactly had a great start to 2025.
Especially as the Class of 92 star damaged his equipment in a moment of rage and needs a new one for his next appearance.
Asked what Walker could add to O’Sullivan’s game, Wales’ three-time world champion laughed: “Well, he’s doing well with Ronnie at the minute…
“Ronnie’s pulled out of the last five tournaments and snapped his cue.
“It’s all a masterplan to get him out of the way.”
Williams hit three centuries – 101, 100 and 117 – as he eliminated Austrian amateur Florian Nuessle from the Llandudno tournament.
Yet the world No5 says he only decided to play in the tournament the DAY before.
He explained: “I decided on Sunday morning.
“A lot of convincing from Lee Walker. Sunday morning is when I really decided I was coming.
“I was unsure all the way. My wife was saying I should go.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Ronnie O’Sullivan digs out Michael van Gerwen on live TV for way darts star acted in Luke Littler match ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367171079112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“They are probably right to be honest.
“Because it’s my home tournament. If I’m going to miss one, maybe I’ll miss a different one.
“I have missed a few events already this year. I’m not 100 per cent about Hong Kong yet.
“Just see how it goes. Sometimes you need a break from this game.”