Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal behaviour picked out on BBC’s snooker coverage | Other | Sport

Lead commentator Steven Hallworth was referencing how Williams and his wife had enjoyed a drink in Sheffield town centre the day before the Hawkins match, with the Welshman stopping to speak to fans about the tournament. And during his spiel, the man behind the microphone suggested it was something you wouldn’t see from other big-name sportsmen.

Speaking on commentary, he remarked: “It’s funny isn’t it, Mark Williams was out with his wife in Tudor Square enjoying the sun, enjoying a few drinks, lapping it all up, chatting to the fans out there. A completely normal bloke, but of course to the most of the general public he is a snooker god.

“The second he puts that waistcoat and tie on he turns into a monster. I think snooker is so unique in that respect, how many other sports can you say you can just see one of the all-time greats out having a drink? I can’t remember the last time I saw Cristiano Ronaldo or Rafa Nadal in the pub. But he is just so normal, but he is just an absolute snookering legend.”

Joe Perry, who was beside Hallworth on commentary, replied: “You’re obviously going to the wrong pubs, Steven.” To which he said: “Trust me, you don’t want to see the folk I see in my local pub.”

Unfortunately for Williams, he was left with work to do at the interval, given Hawkins led the match 10-6. Williams found himself in front after the seventh frame, but the 2025 runner-up lost seven of the next nine frames to trail considerably at the break.

A final frame clearance kept Williams in the tie heading into Saturday’s action. Speaking on the BBC’s coverage, Stephen Hendry said: “Barry Hawkins was far the better player, deserved to win the session 6-2, that’s how much better he was than Mark Williams tonight. But because of that brilliant clearance in the previous frame, Mark has kept himself in it.”