Williams holds out for UK Championship victory
Monday, 16 December 2002 14:32Mark Williams won his first major tournament in over two years in Britain when he defeated Ken Doherty in the UK Championship final. The 27-year-old Welshman looked to have blown his chances when Doherty fought back from 9-7 down to set-up a nerve-wracking deciding frame. And when the Irishman built up a useful 28-9 points lead, Doherty seemed to have one hand on the trophy.
Instead, Doherty suffered a careless in-off trying to play safe which proved to be the opening Williams required and the world number two held his nerve to make a match-clinching run and take the title with a 10-9 success. Williams punched the air when he potted the title-winning ball even though he continued on to finish the break at 70.
Victory for Williams was worth £84,500 while Doherty, a UK runner-up for a third time, finished with a £43,000 consolation cheque.
"I had a good chance in the last but misjudged a safety shot," said Doherty. "However, it was was a great match, a bit different than last year. Both of us gave it our all and Mark made a great break in the last frame."
Delighted Williams said: "I played consistently well all week. I'm just glad to get a title in this country again. I felt I had lost my chance to win the match. I've got to thank Terry Griffiths because he's been helping me and he must be doing something right."
Filed by Johnny Proby
