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Williams holds out for UK Championship victory

Mark 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

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