LLANDUDNO, Wales — The 2024 Welsh Open snooker tournament witnessed a masterclass in controlled aggression on Tuesday as two of the sport's modern greats, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson, both secured commanding 4-1 victories to cruise into the third round at Venue Cymru.
Williams, the home favourite and three-time world champion, delighted the Welsh crowd with a vintage display against China's Fan Zhengyi. Meanwhile, Australia's Robertson, seeking to rediscover his peak form, produced a similarly dominant performance to dispatch England's Joe O'Connor. The results set up tantalizing prospects for the latter stages of the prestigious ranking event.
Williams Delivers for the Faithful in Llandudno
Mark Williams, a two-time Welsh Open champion (1996, 1999), rolled back the years with a performance brimming with his trademark nonchalant brilliance. The 48-year-old from Cwm, known affectionately as the "Welsh Potting Machine," never looked troubled against the talented Fan. Breaks of 54 and 73 helped him establish a 3-0 lead, showcasing the fluid, natural cue action that has defined his career. Fan managed to claw one frame back, but Williams swiftly extinguished any hope of a comeback with a decisive finish.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Williams expressed his enduring love for competing in front of a home audience. "It's always special playing in Wales. You feel that extra bit of support, and it gives you a lift," he said. "I felt good out there today, scored heavily when I got in, and it's just nice to get through."
Williams' victory is a significant boost to his season, which has seen flashes of brilliance but a quest for a first ranking title since the 2021 British Open. His path forward in Llandudno is laden with potential classic encounters, reinforcing the tournament's reputation for high-stakes drama on the Welsh coast.
Robertson Finds Rhythm in Pursuit of Third Title
In the other marquee match of the session, 2019 and 2022 Welsh Open champion Neil Robertson put on a scoring clinic to defeat Joe O'Connor. The Australian left-hander, who has endured a difficult couple of seasons by his own lofty standards, looked much more like his fluent, heavy-scoring self. He constructed breaks of 68, 90, and a superb 131 clearance to seal the match, signalling a timely return to form.
Robertson has been open about his recent struggles, making this performance particularly satisfying. "I've been working incredibly hard on the practice table, and it's starting to show in matches," Robertson stated. "To make a century to win the match under a bit of pressure feels great. The confidence is building."
The Melbourne native's key strengths were on full display:
- Powerful Long Potting: Creating several early opportunities.
- Break-Building Precision: Turning half-chances into substantial frame-winning contributions.
- Clinical Clearance: Exemplified by his match-winning century.
This victory will be a major psychological boost for Robertson as he aims to climb back up the world rankings and secure a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship. The Welsh Open, where he has enjoyed considerable success, could be the perfect catalyst for his resurgence.
The Road Ahead in a Loaded Draw
The progression of both former champions sets the stage for a thrilling third round. The Welsh Open draw remains fiercely competitive, with world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan, defending champion Robert Milkins, and other top seeds like Judd Trump and Mark Selby all in contention. The format now becomes a best-of-7 frames, increasing the pressure and demand for consistency.
Williams' Next Challenge
Mark Williams will face a stern test against the winner of the match between Martin O'Donnell and Anthony McGill. Both are seasoned, gritty competitors capable of disrupting rhythm. Williams will rely on his vast experience and the unwavering support of the crowd to navigate this hurdle.
Robertson's Path Forward
Neil Robertson awaits either China's Pang Junxu or Scotland's Scott Donaldson. While on paper he will be favoured, Robertson will be keenly aware that maintaining his newfound momentum is crucial. His focus will be on continuing the high-standard safety and aggressive scoring that served him so well against O'Connor.
A Tournament Steeped in History and Passion
The Welsh Open, first held in 1992, holds a special place in the snooker calendar. It has crowned legends like John Higgins (a record three-time winner alongside Ronnie O'Sullivan), Stephen Hendry, and Paul Hunter. The move to Llandudno's Venue Cymru has been a success, creating an intimate yet electric atmosphere that players consistently praise.
For Welsh players like Williams, and indeed for the passionate local fans, the event carries an extra dimension. The chance to see a home player lift the Ray Reardon Trophy is a powerful narrative that fuels the tournament each year. Williams, as the last Welshman to win it in 1999, remains the standard-bearer for that hope.
Similarly, for international stars like Robertson, winning in the passionate snooker heartland of Wales is a significant achievement. The crowd's knowledgeable appreciation for the sport adds to the prestige of the title, making it a coveted win on any player's CV.
Conclusion: Veterans Signal Their Intent
The emphatic victories for Mark Williams and Neil Robertson on Day Four of the Welsh Open were more than just routine progression. They were statements of intent from two champions who have combined for over 50 ranking titles. Williams demonstrated that his unique, effortless talent remains a potent force, especially on home soil. Robertson provided the clearest evidence yet that his prolonged period of struggle may be coming to an end, his game clicking back into its devastating rhythm.
As the tournament narrows, the presence of such in-form, experienced winners elevates the competition. Their success serves as a reminder that in the volatile world of professional snooker, class is permanent. The Welsh crowd in Llandudno can now eagerly anticipate the possibility of a deep run from their hero Williams, while the wider snooker world watches to see if Robertson can translate this performance into a genuine title challenge. The Welsh Open, true to its history, is delivering compelling storylines once again.
