MARK WILLIAMS is expecting a fine for skipping the first snooker event of the season to watch his son fight in Thailand.
Willo, 51, had been due to play in the group stages of the season-opening Championship League in Leicester last month, which was held behind closed doors.
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Mark Williams snubbed the first snooker event of the season to go watch his son Kian fight Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Williams went to watch his son, Kian, take part in a Muay Thai fighting competition in Thailand Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Yet at short notice, he pulled out and was replaced in Group 2 by amateur player Jeff Cundy.
The Welshman, a three-time world snooker champion, flew out to the Far East to see middle son Kian, born in 2007, take part in a Muay Thai fighting competition.
Kian, one of three boys, reached the semi-finals of the mixed martial arts event and received a bronze medal for his efforts.
Williams’s wife, Joanne, accepts that there might be a sanction heading her husband’s way as he decided to withdraw without a valid explanation, such as a medical exemption.
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Known as Jo to her family and friends, she said in a post on Instagram: “Had lots of ‘where’s Mark?’ questions.”
“Yes, he was in Thailand.
“Yes, he pulled out of snooker.
“Yes, he’ll probably get fined.
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Mark Williams with his wife Joanne Credit: Getty
“But being there with Kian was more important.”
Jo also published a photo of proud Kian in his Welsh kit, with the medal round his neck, saying: “With a shiny new addition #mychamp.”
Williams, ranked seven in the world, will open his 2026-27 campaign on Tuesday July 28 in round two of the Shanghai Masters.
Now in his 35th year as a professional, Williams was beaten 13-9 by Barry Hawkins in the second round of the World Championship.
