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, celebrated as a three-time World Champion (2000, 2003, 2018) and a former world number one. His peak season was 2002-03, during which he achieved the Triple Crown, joining Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry as only the third player to accomplish this feat. Notably, Williams is the sole player to have won all three versions of the professional world championship: the World Snooker Championship, the Six-red World Championship, and the World Seniors Championship, solidifying his place in snooker history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2000: Won World Championship and Became World Number One

In 2000, Mark Williams won the World Championship, recovering from 7‍–‍13 behind against Matthew Stevens to win 18‍–‍16. This result, along with his UK Championship win and another ranking title at the 2000 Thailand Masters allowed him to capture the world number one position for the first time.

2003: Won Second World Championship

In 2003, Mark Williams secured his second World Championship title.

2003: Won Masters and World Championship, Reclaimed Number One Spot

The 2002–03 season was exceptional for Mark Williams as he won all three Triple Crown events: the 2002 UK Championship, 2003 Masters and the 2003 World Championship. Before the 2003 World Championship, he had a scare when his cue was damaged and bent on his flight with Ryanair. These results enabled him to reclaim the number one spot at the end of the season.

2004: Awarded MBE

In 2004, Mark Williams was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

April 2005: Maximum Break at World Championship

On April 20, 2005, at the World Championship, Mark Williams scored a maximum break at the Crucible and won £161,000 in prize money. He then lost in the second round to Ian McCulloch 12-13.

2009: Regained Top 16 Place

For the 2009-10 season, Mark Williams regained his place in the top 16 snooker players.

April 2010: Wins 2010 China Open

In April 2010, Mark Williams won the 2010 China Open, his first ranking tournament win in four years. He defeated Ding Junhui in the final 10-6, securing his 17th ranking event win and third China Open title. At the 2010 World Championship, he lost in the second round to Ronnie O'Sullivan.

2011: Wins German Masters, Reaches World Championship Semi-Final

In 2011, Mark Williams won the German Masters, defeating Mark Selby in the final. At the 2011 China Open, he lost in the first round. He reached the semi-final of the 2011 World Snooker Championship, becoming the new world number one after the event.

2012: Controversy at World Championship, Inducted into Hall of Fame

In 2012, Mark Williams generated controversy with comments about the World Snooker Championship's venue, for which he was later fined. He lost in the second round to Ronnie O'Sullivan. Mark Williams was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame in 2012.

2013: Wins Rotterdam Open

At the start of the 2013-14 season, Mark Williams won the Rotterdam Open, marking his second title in a Players Tour Championship event.

March 2015: Wins World Seniors Championship

In March 2015, Mark Williams won the World Seniors Championship, defeating Peter O'Brien in the final, despite being only 39 years old.

2017: Wins Six-red World Championship and Northern Ireland Open

In 2017, Mark Williams teamed up with Lee Walker to revive his career. He won the Six-red World Championship and his first ranking title in six years at the Northern Ireland Open. He revealed his wife's ill health and considered withdrawing from tournaments.

2018: Wins German Masters

In 2018, Mark Williams defeated Mark Selby at the Masters and won the German Masters, dominating the final against Graeme Dott.

2018: Third World Championship Title

In 2018, Mark Williams secured his third World Championship title.

2018: Wins 2018 World Open

In 2018, as world champion, Mark Williams won the World Open. He overcame deficits in his quarter-final, semi-final, and final matches to secure the victory. He also reached the last 16 of the 2018 UK Championship, losing after leading Maguire.

August 2021: Wins 24th Ranking Title at British Open

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

2021: Wins WST Pro Series and Controversy at 2021 World Championship

In 2021, Mark Williams lost in the first round of the Masters to Murphy. He won the WST Pro Series, his first title in three years, and reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 World Championship. He generated controversy for a safety shot during the championship, leading to discussions about banning the shot.

October 2023: Wins 2023 British Open

In October 2023, Mark Williams won the British Open in Cheltenham, defeating Selby and becoming the second-oldest winner of a ranking event at the time.

2025: Reached World Championship Final as Oldest Player

At the 2025 World Championship, Mark Williams, aged 50, became the oldest player to reach the final of the tournament. He became the oldest winner of a ranking event at the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix.

2025: Reaches World Championship Final

In 2025, Mark Williams advanced to the semi-finals and overcame Trump. At age 50, he became the oldest player to reach the final of the World Championship. In the final against Zhao Xintong, he lost the match.

2025: Wins 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix

In 2025, Mark Williams won the Xi'an Grand Prix, defeating Murphy in the final, becoming the oldest player ever to win a ranking event. He also became the first player to win professional titles in his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.