Snooker Legend Mark Williams Delays Eye Surgery Despite Blurry Vision
LONDON – Snooker star Mark Williams, 50, has revealed he is continuing to postpone corrective eye surgery despite admitting “every single shot seems blurry,” a condition impacting his game. The Welshman, a three-time World Champion, confessed reaching the 2023 World Championship final against Zhao Xintong inadvertently disrupted his plans for the procedure.
Williams has worn glasses off the table for some time, but his deteriorating eyesight on the table has sparked debate within the sport, with some questioning how he continues to compete at the highest level. Despite consistently potting centuries and winning titles, Williams acknowledges the issue and has been considering surgery, but remains hesitant. This delay raises questions about his long-term competitive future and whether he can maintain his success while battling impaired vision.
“Probably getting to the final of the World Championship against Zhao Xintong probably did me in a bit,” williams conceded. “Because I was having it done a week or two after that. By getting to that final,it’s put me off a bit and I just keep postponing it.”
The veteran player insists he will only commit to surgery if his performance significantly declines. “If my form really goes downhill and I can’t win a game, I’ll get it done,” he vowed. “I just can’t bring myself to do it at the minute. I’m not going to play any better than I am, even if I’ve got perfect eyesight.”
Williams responded with characteristic candor to the scrutiny surrounding his decision. “Honestly, I couldn’t give a s**t,” he saeid. “I read online that some were saying there’s nothing wrong with my eyes. Who cares what other peopel think? I don’t.I don’t care. All I can say is I don’t wear glasses every day for the fun of it.”
Despite the blurry vision, williams remains a “formidable force” on the snooker circuit, according to PA. The situation highlights the mental fortitude required to compete at the elite level and the personal choices athletes make when facing physical challenges.
