Mark Williams took his lead from master of concentration Peter Ebdon to reach the Benson & Hedges Masters quarter-finals for a fourth successive season at Wembley tonight.
Laid-back Williams admits to allowing his mind to wander during vital stages of his matches. But he was perfectly zoned in throughout his 6-3 second-round win over London-born Ebdon. The Wellingborough-based professional certainly made it tough for Williams for the first six frames. He trailed 2-0 and 3-2 but gamely shared the first six frames with breaks of 51, 58 and 70.
However, Williams can switch on the power in the blink of an eye - and 25 minutes later he led 5-3 helped by runs of 62 and 74. Ebdon looked to have pulled a frame back when he took a 55-1 lead in frame nine. But Williams potted a great red into a middle pocket to fashion a match-clinching 55.
"Peter gives every shot 100%, and you have got to give him credit for that," said Williams.
"I wish I could be like that. But in most of my matches I'm looking round, laughing and joking with the crowd. But today I was really focused, and there have not been too many times when I've been able to say that," he said.
If Williams can reproduce that mental strength then the 24-year-old from Cwm could well end up in Sunday's final. Williams was a Wembley winner just two years ago, beating Stephen Hendry 10-9 in the most exciting finale in the tournament's 26-year history. Hendry was shaken for months after losing the deciding frame on a re-spotted black.
Stephen Lee is the next opponent for Williams as he bids to become champion again.
