Mark Williams gets home at 3.39am in late night after beating Ronnie O’Sullivan in final | Other | Sport

Williams registered two century breaks and three half-centuries in the evening session, and the pressure clearly began to tell on O’Sullivan as he uncharacteristically missed a series of chances. Williams pocketed a £150,000 cheque for his victory, before making the long drive back to his homeland.

And it was 3.39am on Monday morning when he declared to fans that he had got back safely, writing on X: “Ha was a long drive home. Just got in. What a day, what  a game, privilege to share (the) final with the greatest player ever.”

Williams also comically noted that he started the final on Sunday and wasn’t back until Monday, finishing off his post with #wasplayinglastweek. But prior to his departure, the three-time world champion admitted in his post-match interview that he didn’t expect to still be challenging at the top level as late as 2024.

“I never thought I’d be winning tournaments at 49,” Williams said. “The World Championships are around the corner. He’s the man to beat (O’Sullivan), but you never know. I’ll try my best. He played like God for four frames and I was glad the interval came because there was no stopping him.”

The veteran’s use of social media has become iconic following his last world crown in 2018. During the tournament, he regularly updated fans on his late-night takeaway exploits, posting pictures of his kebabs following matches.

And after beating John Higgins in the final, he turned up for a press conference in just his underpants before a famous drinking session which lasted until sunrise the following morning. Throughout, Williams updated supporters of his whereabouts, with his erratic spelling only adding to the hilarity.

And after his latest success, the world No.8 insisted he had no plans to walk away from the sport, despite coming close to quitting snooker in 2017. “It’s crazy when you look back and I was considering retiring.

“I have my wife to thank for that because she stopped me retiring. Since I made my mind up all those years ago it’s never even come back into my head.”