Mark Williams has spoken out on Rob Walker following social media backlash to the emcee and BBC commentator.
Mark Williams has addressed the backlash surrounding his introduction. (Picture: Getty)
A grinning Mark Williams has brushed apart criticism of snooker emcee Rob Walker, insisting his shut pal can say no matter he pleases. The Welsh legend is nicely acquainted with the person liable for saying gamers into the world, and there was no scarcity of light-hearted jibes thus far on the World Championship.
Introducing Williams forward of the opening session of his first-round match in opposition to Antoni Kowalski on the Crucible, Walker took to the microphone earlier than a near-1,000-strong crowd and declared: “Lastly, to a participant whose debut was so way back, we are able to barely keep in mind. In 1997, he had a full thatch [of hair] and 20-20 imaginative and prescient.
“The eyesight goes, the hair is lengthy, lengthy gone. However make no mistake, he is without doubt one of the all-time greats. Runner-up final 12 months, three-time a champion du monde, absolutely the legend. The irrepressible, the irreplaceable, Mark J Williams.”
Earlier than the second session, Walker continued the theme, quipping: “29 years in the past on this very day it was his flip to be the fresh-faced 22-year-old debutant with boyish attractiveness, a full head of hair and excellent imaginative and prescient. How little has modified within the intervening years!
“He hasn’t been to a barber in a long time however lest we overlook, he stays one in all our all-time greats. Finalist at 49, thrice a champion du monde, it would not be a Worlds with out Willo.”
Williams noticed the humorous facet, cheekily aiming a mock kick in direction of Walker’s groin as he strolled previous, although some social media customers had been lower than impressed by the introductions from Walker, who additionally works as a commentator for the BBC on the occasion.
Nevertheless, the participant himself brushed these options apart fully as he gave his personal account of occasions following his victory over the Pole.
Rob Walker has confronted criticism for his introduction of Mark Williams. (Picture: Getty Photographs)
Williams stated: “Yeah, cheeky little…! I favored it when he stated, did he say one thing like, 10 years and never seen a barber? I favored that, that was good. Look, I do not thoughts what Rob says.
“He stated to me: You aren’t getting upset, do you? I say: Rob, come on, you possibly can say no matter you need to me, I could not give a monkey’s. Simply say what you need. I do know I am going to have you ever tonight.
“I did not suppose he was popping out with that, like! That was one. He will should up that subsequent time now.
Get event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen provides and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“Ah, he can do no matter, he can say no matter he needs. It makes no distinction to me. The extra stick I get, the extra I prefer it. That is why I am on Twitter, for a little bit of stick, actually.”
When requested what it is perhaps like ought to Walker proceed elevating the stakes, Williams laughed: “Nicely, I do not know, it is his fault he began excessive, ain’t he? A chopsy hit, thoughts you.”
Leave a Reply