Tom Jones is from Pontypridd and Mark Williams from Cwm in the south Wales valleys It's not unusual for Mark Williams to be in the semi-final of the World Snooker Championship. After all he is a three-time winner of the sport's biggest prize. However, as he bids at 50 to become the oldest world champion, he admits he is seeking a little bit of extra help from the green, green grass of home. After beating John Higgins in adramatic final black-finish to their quarter-final,Williams told the BBC televsion audience it was the music of Tom Jones that got him over the line. And Williams manager Lee Walker, himself a fomer snooker player, has revealed Williams then spoke to the pop icon on the phone after the match. "They're good friends," Walker toldBBC Radio Wales' Breakfastprogramme. "Funnily enough when we had finished he was actually talking to Tom Jones when we were back in the hotel." Williams uses Jones' 1960's hit Delilah as his walk on music and, after his 13-12 win over fellow 'Class of '92' veteran Higgins, said another of the Welsh singer's hits also kept him going before Wednesday morning's final session. "I just kept playing Tom Jones 'Delilah' and 'A boy from nowhere' over and over this morning as I was getting ready because I'm knackered, I've got to be honest," explained Williams in his post-match interview. "In the dressing room I was still playing and singing those two songs over and over just to try and stay with it you know because it's tough out there especially the older you get and you're playing all day." Walker, who reached the quarter-final at the Crucible in 1997, says the friendship between the two Welsh legends is long-standing. "Many years ago we went to holiday in Las Vegas and Mark was trying to get tickets and went and seen Tom and basically they've been friends ever since," he said. Also a close friend of Williams, Walker added: "Quite a funny story, when he [Williams] won the Worlds in 2018 I was driving his car back and this number kept ringing and he wouldn't answer it. "I said 'look your're going to have to answer it might be a reporter wanting an interview or something like that', so he kind of answered it and went 'hello' and the voice on the other end went, 'Mark, it's Tom, well done'. Lee Walker (left) won the World Seniors Championship at the Crucible Theatre four years after Williams' last world triumph That 2018 victory was William's third world title, beating Higgins 18-16 at the age of 43. He now faces a semi-final against world number one Judd Trump (Thursday, 19:00 BST), so could the Welshman who was first crowned world champion in 2000 lift the trophy again 25 years later? "Yeah, 100% he has a chance," says Walker "Judd Trump is number one player in the world, he's probably playing the best snooker of anyone in the tournament so it's going to be incredibly difficult, but over the last few times they've played, all their matches, whether Mark has won or whether Judd has won, they've always been very close affairs. "The only thing I would say is Mark is 50 years of age now, to actually win this tournament, you know he played two sessions Tuesday, then we had to get up early, played another session yesterday and I know before we went into that session he was incredibly tired. "Fatigue in this tournament does play a factor so that might come into a little bit, but as far as has he got a chance to win? Absolutely."
Pop icon Jones keeps Williams' title hopes on track
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mark Williams Draws Inspiration from Tom Jones as He Aims for Fourth World Snooker Title"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Mark Williams, the three-time World Snooker Champion from Cwm, Wales, is making headlines as he aims to become the oldest world champion at the age of 50. His recent victory over John Higgins in a thrilling quarter-final match has set the stage for a semi-final clash against world number one Judd Trump. After his nail-biting win, Williams revealed that the music of fellow Welsh pop icon Tom Jones played a significant role in his success, helping him to stay motivated and energized during the intense match. Williams, who frequently uses Jones' classic hit 'Delilah' as his entrance music, shared that he listened to this and another of Jones' songs, 'A Boy from Nowhere,' repeatedly to maintain his spirits before heading into the crucial final session of the tournament. His manager, Lee Walker, emphasized the long-standing friendship between Williams and Jones, illustrating the personal connection that adds a unique layer to Williams' journey in the championship.
As Williams prepares to face Trump, Walker acknowledges the challenges that come with competing at an older age, particularly the physical fatigue that accumulates over the course of the tournament. Williams' previous triumph in 2018 marked his third world title, and the anticipation is palpable as he seeks to replicate that success 25 years after his first championship win in 2000. Despite his age, Walker remains optimistic about Williams' chances, noting that their past matches against Trump have been closely contested. The semi-final promises to be a significant test of Williams' resilience and skill, as he balances the demands of the competition with the fatigue that comes with it. With support from his friends and the motivational power of music, Williams is determined to prove that age is just a number in his quest for another world title.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the connection between Welsh snooker player Mark Williams and pop icon Tom Jones, emphasizing how this friendship impacts Williams' performance in the World Snooker Championship. By showcasing Williams' reliance on Jones' music for motivation, the piece not only celebrates Welsh culture but also reinforces the importance of personal connections in sports.
Cultural Resonance
The friendship between Williams and Jones resonates deeply within Welsh culture, reflecting a sense of pride in local talent. The article aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia and regional identity, appealing to fans of both sports and music in Wales. This connection serves to create a narrative that goes beyond snooker, elevating it to a cultural phenomenon that is relatable to many.
Public Perception
The portrayal of Williams as seeking solace and motivation from a well-known figure like Tom Jones fosters a positive public perception. It suggests that even elite athletes have vulnerabilities and rely on personal relationships to navigate their challenges. This narrative is likely designed to garner sympathy and support for Williams, especially as he aims to achieve a historic milestone in his career.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the uplifting story of camaraderie, it may gloss over the pressures faced by athletes, especially those approaching the twilight of their careers. By emphasizing the friendship and music, the piece could divert attention from the intense competition and physical demands of the sport, which might be a concern for some readers who seek a more balanced view.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear to exhibit overtly manipulative elements, but it does play on the emotional aspects of Williams' journey. By framing his victory as influenced by Jones' music, it crafts a narrative that could enhance Williams' image as a beloved figure rather than just a competitor. The language used is uplifting and supportive, potentially leading readers to feel more connected to Williams' journey.
Comparative Analysis
In comparison to other sports-related articles, this piece stands out due to its focus on the personal life of the athlete rather than purely statistics or game analysis. This personal touch makes it more relatable and engaging, particularly for audiences interested in the human stories behind the sports.
Broader Implications
While the article primarily focuses on a sporting event, it subtly reflects broader themes such as aging, resilience, and community support in sports. As Williams strives for success in his 50s, it may inspire discussions about longevity in athletics and the evolving narrative of sports figures as they age.
Target Audience
The article appeals to a diverse audience, including snooker fans, music lovers, and those interested in Welsh culture. It aims to connect with individuals who appreciate both the competitive spirit of sports and the emotional narratives that accompany them.
Market Impact
Given the focus on a cultural icon and a respected athlete, the article may not have a direct impact on stock markets or economic indices. However, it could influence the perception of related industries, such as entertainment and sports merchandise, particularly if Williams' popularity continues to rise due to this narrative.
Global Context
While the news is primarily of local interest, it does touch on themes relevant to global sports culture, such as the impact of mentorship and personal connections in achieving success. This aligns with broader discussions about the importance of community in competitive environments.
AI Involvement
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, particularly in how it structures narratives around human interest stories. However, the emotional depth and cultural nuances suggest a human touch in the writing process.
Overall, the article successfully captures the essence of a personal connection in sports, presenting it in a way that resonates with readers and celebrates Welsh culture. Its reliability stems from the authentic representation of Williams' experiences and the friendship with Jones.