Williams hobbles through to quarters


Mark Williams beat Quinten Hann at the LG Cup in Preston.

Williams hobbled to a 5-4 success after damaging ankle
tendons and ligaments last week.

And he revealed he had considered not playing in the
tournament at Preston Guild Hall.

"It wasn't until Monday I decided to play because I've been
in so much pain," said Williams after protecting his
three-year ranking tournament record.

"But it was a nightmare out there and my legs are really
aching now. I had to play so slowly that I was like Terry
Griffiths walking round the table," he quipped.

"I was even boring myself. I have definitely got to rest the
ankle now before I play again on Thursday."

Williams picked up the injury after falling down some steps.
He was taken to hospital and given crutches to keep the
weight off his ankle.

As news of his problem spread some bookmakers even
suspended betting on Hann winning the game.

"I really didn't think I was going to make it but I thought I
would rather come up here and give it a go.

"I had to get a mate of mine, Paul Jones, to take a week off
work so he could drive me up here."

If Williams needed an extra incentive to keep his record
intact of never having lost an opening ranking tournament
match since 1998 - 31 events in total - it was the thought of
playing Hann.

"I read that Quinten said I had only ever spoken 10 words to
him in my life. I don't remember speaking 10 words," said
Williams.

"He likes to beat me and I love it when I win against him. But
all I wanted to do was get this match over."

Williams reward for his bravery is a clash against durable
Potteries professional Dave Harold.

Story filed: 20:41 Tuesday 16th October 2001