Mark Williams repeats 'idiots' claim after destroying protege Jackson Page at Crucible

Mark Williams has doubled down on his "idiot" jibe after he was criticised for practicing with the man he was due to face at the World Snooker Championship.

The Welshman was drawn against his close friend and protege Jackson Page in the second round of the tournament. Despite their impending meeting, they were spotted practicing together at the Crucible – an unusual move for two players about to face off in competition.

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was unimpressed and told the 20-year-old Page to "stay away" from an opponent before taking them on. But Williams did not respond well to that piece of advice, calling Hendry an "idiot" on social media.

In the end Williams showed little mercy to his protege, demolishing him 13-3 to ensure the match was over with a session to spare. After sealing progression to the next round, the Welshman doubled down on his assessment of those who would question why he would practice with an opponent.

"I don't see the problem with that," he told Eurosport. "I've seen other people say I'm trying to get in his head and stuff like that. Whoever thinks that is (sic) just idiots. If you think I'm trying to get in to Jackson's head to try and win a match, you are an idiot!"

Williams has previously described Page as "not just a friend, more like my fourth son", which Page admits makes him beam with pride. "I'm proud, definitely – they're nice words for Mark to say," he said. "Apart from practising together obviously, we go for food, play golf, have a game of cards, bingo. We have a good laugh – it's been like that for years."

His personal relationship with Page did not stop him from securing that dominant victory, but it did leave the three-time world champion feeling slightly