Mark Williams (snooker player)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Mark Williams (snooker player). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Mark Williams is a Welsh professional snooker player renowned for his three World Championship titles (2000, 2003, 2018) and multiple stints as world number one. He achieved a historic Triple Crown in the 2002-03 season, winning the UK Championship, the Masters, and the World Championship, becoming only the third player to accomplish this feat. Uniquely, Williams has won all three versions of the professional world championship: the World Snooker Championship, the Six-red World Championship, and the World Seniors Championship.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2003: Triple Crown and World Championship Win

In 2003, Mark Williams had an exceptional season, winning all three Triple Crown events including the World Championship, and reclaimed the number one spot. He beat Stephen Hendry in the Masters final. He had a scare before the 2003 World Championship when his cue was damaged on a Ryanair flight.

June 2004: Awarded MBE

In June 2004, Mark Williams was awarded an MBE.

April 2005: Maximum Break at World Championship

On April 20, 2005, at the World Championship, Mark Williams scored a maximum break in the final frame of his first-round victory but lost in the second round.

2009: Regained Top 16 Place

In 2009, Mark Williams regained his place in the top 16 snooker players.

2010: Won the first event of the Players Tour Championship

In 2010, Mark Williams began the 2010-11 season by winning the first event of the Players Tour Championship, defeating Maguire 4-0 in the final. This event was a new addition to the snooker calendar introduced by Barry Hearn. He also competed in the 2010 Premier League, but failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Williams also reached the final of the 2010 UK Championship but lost to Higgins 9-10.

2011: Won the German Masters and became world number one

In 2011, Williams lost in the first round of the Masters against Ding. He won the German Masters, defeating Mark Selby 9-7 in the final. At the China Open, he lost in the first round against Stephen Lee. He reached the semi-final stage of the 2011 World Snooker Championship and became the new world number one after the event.

2013: Won the Rotterdam Open

At the start of the 2013–14 season, Mark Williams won the Rotterdam Open by defeating Mark Selby 4–3 in the final. This was the second time that Williams had won a title in a Players Tour Championship event.

March 2015: Won the World Seniors Championship

In March 2015, Mark Williams won the World Seniors Championship by beating Fergal O'Brien 2–1 in the final.

2017: Won the Six-red World Championship and Northern Ireland Open

In 2017, Mark Williams teamed up with Lee Walker and SightRight coach Stephen Feeney. He won the Six-red World Championship in September. He then won his first ranking title after a six-year drought, the 2017 Northern Ireland Open.

2018: Won his third World Championship

In 2018, Mark Williams advanced to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Championship. He reached his first World Championship final since 2003 and won against John Higgins to claim his third world title. At 43, this made him the oldest winner since Ray Reardon in 1978.

2018: Defeated Judd Trump to reach the final where he faced Graeme Dott

In 2018, Mark Williams beat Judd Trump to reach the final of the German Masters where he faced Graeme Dott. Williams dominated the final and claimed a 9-1 victory.

2018: Won the World Open

In 2018, Mark Williams won the second event of the new season, the World Open. At the 2018 UK Championship, Williams reached the last-16 round.

2018: Victories at German Masters and World Championship

The 2017–18 season was successful for Mark Williams, as he won the 2018 German Masters before winning his third world title at the Crucible.

August 2021: 2021 British Open Victory

In August 2021, Mark Williams won his 24th ranking title by defeating Gary Wilson in the final of the British Open.

2021: 2021 Masters, WST Pro Series, and World Championship

In 2021, Williams lost in the first round of the Masters to Murphy but won the WST Pro Series. He defeated Higgins in the second round of the World Championship but lost in the quarter-finals to Selby. He also caused controversy with a safety shot.