SHEFFIELD, England, 25 April 2004 — Mark Williams reign as world snooker champion came to an end with a second round defeat yesterday, ten days after he became a father for the first time.
The world No. 1 came close to an amazing comeback victory but finally went down 13-11 to world No. 16, Joe Perry, who recovered his composure to close out the tie by winning the last three frames.
The Welshman’s preparations for the defense of his title had been severely disrupted by the birth of his son, Connor, earlier this month.
But he refused to make any excuses for the loss. “Joe played better than me and he held his nerve superbly in the last three frames,” Williams said.
“I thought I had a good chance of winning when I went in front at 11-10 but he responded really well when the pressure was on.
“That was the most pressure he’s probably ever been under and he was a worthy winner.”
Williams looked down and out when he resumed the final session 10-6 behind.
But he did not go without a fight, reeling off five straight frames to leave Perry’s chances of reaching The Crucible quarterfinals for the first time looking slim.
Instead, with the weight of expectancy removed from his shoulders, the world No. 16 found a new lease of life.
He drew level at 11-11 with a break of 55 and then allowed Williams just six points in the closing two frames. Runs of 53 and a closing 82 sent Perry into a last eight meeting with Paul Hunter or Matthew Stevens.
“If I have beaten the world champion and world number one then people will think I should beat anyone,” said the 29-year-old former European and China Open runner-up.
“And I’ve known that myself for years. This win will certainly give me a lot more self belief and confidence.” Perry’s victory is worth a guaranteed 31,000 pounds ($46,000), easily the highest pay-day of his 13-year professional career.
