MARK Williams rolled back the years at the World Snooker Championship, reaching his 12th Crucible quarterfinal and revealing he is desperate for a dream clash with fellow Class of ’92 star John Higgins.

The Welsh Potting Machine, who turned 50 last month, overcame Iran’s Hossein Vafaei 13-10 in a tense encounter that featured a remarkable seven re-racks.

After the match, Williams admitted he is hoping Higgins, who led China’s Xiao Guodong 12-11 heading into the evening session, will join him in the last eight.

“I would love John to win tonight, I really would,” said Williams. “The occasion, and where we are in our careers. I just think it’d be a fabulous occasion.”

Williams, who has battled deteriorating eyesight in recent months, said the chance to face Higgins again at this stage of their careers would be unforgettable.

“The reception we’d have going in, it’d be unbelievable. Probably like the Masters when we played a couple of years ago,” he said. “It’s something I really, really would like to play in, that atmosphere again. I am really rooting for John. Come on the old boys!”

Williams also opened up about the difficulties he has faced with his vision, admitting everything from the balls to the scoreboard now appears “blurry.” He has scheduled lens replacement surgery for June in a bid to prolong his illustrious career.

Despite the challenges, Williams said he finally feels positive about his game again after what he described as an “unusual battle” against Vafaei.

“I thought it was a funny game because a lot of frames could have gone either way,” he said. “We had seven re-racks which is unheard of. I made a lot of really good breaks. I missed a few easy ones, but that’s what I do.”

With his victory, Williams becomes the oldest World Championship quarterfinalist since Steve Davis, who reached the last eight in 2010 at the age of 52.

If Higgins can complete his win over Xiao, fans could be treated to a showdown between two legends who first turned professional together more than three decades ago.

All quotes courtesy of SportsBoom.

Crymych 28 – Tata Steel 36

CRYMYCH gave league leaders Tata Steel a real scare in a thrilling Championship contest that showcased the hosts’ fighting spirit — even if they left empty-handed.

The Preseli side started strongly, with centre Ifan Phillips bursting through for a well-worked try, converted by Elis Thomas.

But Tata responded with power and precision, their dominant forwards laying the platform for four unanswered tries before the break. The visitors went in at half-time 26-7 up, with a bonus point secured.

To their credit, Crymych came out firing. Winger Rhodri George finished a sweeping move soon after the restart, and Thomas added the extras to narrow the gap.

Tata remained clinical, stretching their lead with a further 10 points. Yet Crymych refused to lie down — Phillips grabbed his second of the afternoon before No. 8 Osian Davies rounded off a powerful surge, aided by Tom Taylor and Jon Hill. Thomas converted both to bring the score to 36-28.

With just minutes remaining, Crymych pushed for a losing bonus point — but a late Tata try denied them that small reward.

Still, the performance offered real positives, and Crymych now have time to regroup before the final stretch of the season. Replicate this level of intensity, and survival remains firmly within reach.

Crymych squad:
Adam Phillips; Rhodri George, Tomos Lewis, Ifan Phillips, Hedd George; Elis Thomas, Dafydd Phillips; Gruff Williams, Lee Griffiths, Ben Cox; Matthew Freebury, Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor, Jon Hill, Osian Davies.
Replacements: Lloyd Davies, Rhys Davies, Sion Wilson, Ianto Davies, Jac Griffiths.

Narberth 29 – Cross Keys 17

NARBERTH kept their Premiership survival hopes alive with a crucial 29-17 victory over Cross Keys at the Lewis Lloyd Ground — producing one of their most composed performances of the season when it mattered most.

Having lost the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, Narberth knew only a win would do — and they delivered under pressure.

From the outset, the home side played with intensity, meeting their larger opponents head-on. A surging break from Dean James set the tone, and relentless forward pressure was rewarded when Sam Martin crashed over for the opening try.

Cross Keys hit back quickly through a textbook drive, with No. 8 Cory Nicholls dotting down. But Narberth responded in style — a searing counterattack saw Hedd Nicholas break through midfield and feed scrum-half Lewys Gibby, who raced clear to score. Jon Rogers converted to restore the lead.

The visitors weren’t done, however, and levelled the match after a well-executed lineout allowed second row John Verrier to power over, with Ben Murphy adding the extras.

Crucially, Narberth regained the advantage just before the break. Centre Llew Jones — later named Man of the Match — found space out wide and sliced through the defence to make it 17-12 at half-time.

The second half belonged to the Bluebirds. With their pack dominant and backs full of intent, Will Blackburn secured the bonus-point try before Hedd Nicholas crossed for another. Rogers was again on target with the boot.

Cross Keys had the final say with a late score from replacement Tom Burnham, but the result was beyond doubt.

Narberth now face one final hurdle — a must-win home tie against already-relegated Newcastle Emlyn. Victory there, and a favourable result elsewhere, could yet complete a remarkable escape.

Narberth squad:
Ashley Sutton; Rhys Harris, Llew Jones, Hedd Nicholas, Dean James; Jon Rogers, Lewys Gibby; Rob Evans, Kyle Hamer, Tom Kaijaks; Will Blackburn, Sam Martin; Caleb Salmon, Tom Powell (C), Roy Osborn.
Replacements: Ricky Guest, Ryan Rees, George Rossiter, Rhys Williams, Josh Hamer, Alex Williams, Osian Evans, Harrison Griffiths.