Snooker: Williams and Selby knocked out of Sheffield Championship

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Welsh Mark Williams refused to blame health problems as his defense of the Snooker World Championship title ended with a 13-9 defeat by England's David Gilbert on Saturday.

The Welsh cue-man, who won a third world title last year, took himself to hospital after complaining of chest pains following Friday's opening session in this second-round match at Sheffield's Crucible Theater.

Williams was 5-3 behind at the end of the first session and he said he knew from then on that he was heading for a defeat.

England's David Gilbert aims a shot during his Snooker World Championship match against Welsh Mark Williams in Sheffield, UK, April 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

"He was the best player," Williams told Eurosport. "I played how I feel, absolutely terrible. I tried my best but I was 5-3 down and knew from then I wouldn't win. I tried my best and won nine frames."

Gilbert, who had never previously gone beyond the second round, now faces either Barry Hawkins or Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals.

"I'm delighted to beat the world champion, I played really well," said Gilbert.

Earlier, Williams' fellow three-time world champion Mark Selby of England suffered a surprise 13-10 defeat by Gary Wilson.

England's Mark Selby during the second round match against Gary Wilson at the Snooker World Championship in Sheffield, UK, April 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Selby, world champion in 2014, 2016 and 2017, is ranked 30 places above Wilson.

But that did not stop former taxi driver Wilson.

Wilson, who hailed the win as the "best result of my career," said: "I was close to quitting many times. I always knew deep down I was good enough and could make a living in this game."

"There are times you are literally all over the place, can't pot a ball and think, 'What's the point? I can't even play.' It's a strange game," he added.

But there were no more shocks for James Cahill after the amateur caused the greatest upset in Crucible history by beating five-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round.

(Top image: Mark Williams of Wales looks dejected after his 9-13 loss to England's David Gilbert during the Snooker World Championship in Sheffield, UK, April 27, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP