Mark Williams offers timely warning to new world snooker champion Luca Brecel – 'I took my foot off the gas'

Mark Williams believes Luca Brecel must learn to motivate himself as world champion this season if he wants to remain in the hunt for the game's top prizes. The three-time Crucible winner Williams – champion in 2000, 2003 and 2018 – was full of praise for Brecel, who defeated him 13-11 in the second round on his way to claiming the sport's top prize with an 18-15 final win over Mark Selby. Ad But he also feels 'The Belgian Bullet' will be a major scalp for the rest of the World Snooker Tour after his stunning exploits in Sheffield saw Brecel become the first winner of the blue-chip tournament from continental Europe.

Snooker'I played good stuff' – Williams coasts through to Championship League last 3230/06/2023 AT 20:47 «It’s a dream come true and whatever happens now in my career, I can say I’m a world champion,» said Brecel after his landmark triumph. «I am only 28, with so much time left in my career. Hopefully, there are many more to follow.» Williams feels a desire to improve is pivotal after admitting he lost focus in claiming the trophy for the first time with an 18-16 victory over fellow Welshman Matthew Stevens 23 years ago.

He defeated Ken Doherty (18-16) and John Higgins (18-16) for his other two world titles. “Everyone will want to beat Luca now, but I don’t think that will bother him, I expect he will enjoy it," said WIlliams, who eased through to the last 32 of the Championship League in Leicester on Friday. «Everyone wants to be world champion.