World number one and reigning Embassy world champion Mark Williams has backed Ronnie O'Sullivan to win the 2002 tournament which starts this weekend. Welshman Williams admits that his lack of confidence could spoil his attempt at winning back-to-back titles. The 26-year-old plays Scotland's Billy Snaddon, who is ranked 24 in the world, in the opening first round match of the two-week tournament.
Bookies have made Williams the 3-1 favourite, but the Welshman reckons that fourth seed O'Sullivan poses the greatest threat to his attempt to become the only first-time champion to record successive Crucible victories.
"If O'Sullivan turns up in the right frame of mind, I think he'll win the tournament," Williams said. I'm not saying I can't beat him because I think I can and know I can, but he's the man to beat," he added. O'Sullivan has never reached the World Championship final. He could have to overcome Williams along the way, as the pair are both in the top half of the draw.
"I want to be world champion. Just to reach the final would be a thrill as there is so much top-class competition now," said O'Sullivan. This year's championship is the 25th to be held at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, and the prize money has been raised to £250,000.
Williams beat fellow countryman Matthew Stevens in a classic final last year, clawing back a six-frame deficit to claim the £240,000 winner's cheque. He was well-beaten by Stephen Hendry in the previous year's final.
