Mark Williams defeated six other players to advance to the Winners’ Group of the ongoing 2021 Championship League.

The 2021 Champions League returned on March 30, as the final player who would join the Winners’ Group would be decided.

Ali Carter won the playoffs in Group 6 and was joined by Anthony McGill, David Gilbert, and Mark Williams. It is worthy of note Mark Williams finished fourth in Group 6, barely qualifying. While Ali Carter defeated Anthony McGill 3-2 to reach the Winners’Group.

McGill, Williams, and David Gilbert joined Yan Bingtao, Kurt Maflin, Neil Robertson, and Joe Perry in Group 7.

After the Group 7 matches were concluded, Yan Bingtao finished top of the group, Mark Williams finished second, David Gilbert finished second and Joe Perry was fourth.

They all qualified for the playoffs, and all had a point to prove.

Huge favourite and world number 3 Neil Robertson was eliminated along with Kurt Maflin and Anthony McGill.  Neil Robertson was below par throughout the entire tournament and suffered significant losses to McGill, Perry, and Mark Williams.

In the Group 7 playoffs, Joe ‘The Fen Potter’ Perry comfortably defeated Yan Bingtao 3-0. While Mark Williams eliminated David Gilbert in a convincing 3-1 victory. The final saw Joe Perry square up with Mark Williams. Mark Williams, who is also known as The Welsh Potting Machine, made it an easy 3-1 win over 46-year-old Joe Perry.

Mark Williams, who won the so-called treble of tournaments or the Triple Crown, will join six other players in the Winners’ Group.

The Winners’ Group of the 2021 Championship League comprises of Zhou Yuelong, Graeme Dott, Mark Williams, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Ali Carter.

The matches of the Winners’ Group will be played on 1 and 2 April 2021.

Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson are the two biggest favourites to clinch the trophy.

Written by: Collins Nwokolo