Mark Williams on Shanghai Masters snooker return: I’ve been to China for 31 years and all I’ve seen is the Great Wall

Mark Williams does not intend to change the habits of a lifetime after easing into the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday morning.

The Welsh sporting icon will face world champion Luca Brecel on Wednesday morning (7am BST) after completing a dominant 6-1 win over Crucible qualifier Pang Junxu, boosted by breaks of 95, 54 and 107, with his opponent running in 87 and 60.

Asked whether he would be using time away from the table to enjoy some sightseeing, the three-time world champion admits he is not interested in being a snooker tourist.

“I’m not a sightseeing person,” said 2011 Shanghai runner-up Williams.

“I’ve been coming to China for 31 years and seen the Great Wall I think. That’s all I’ve seen.”

Williams admits he was delighted with the support of the local fans in the first major tournament held in mainland China since 2019.

“We’re playing at 9:30am in the morning, and my side was almost full and Robert Milkins side was almost full. Playing to a full house is what the players want,” he said.

“When you’ve not been to places like Shanghai due to Covid, you realise how much you miss it.

“It’s just great to be back. We’ve got a few tournaments in China, and a lot of players are looking forward to them.”

The great wall of Williams is aiming to hold firm against the great wave of Brecel when they collide for a quarter-final spot.

“He beat me in the World Championship, but if I did beat him, I’d rather reverse the things around,” said Williams.

“He’s riding on a wave, we’ve all done it. The wave always comes crashing down. It just how long he’ll take. Hopefully, I can take a bit off that wave tomorrow.”

Williams has hinted he may be interested in training for a half marathon, but doesn’t intend to join his old rival Ronnie O’Sullivan for a run around the block.

“I think I’d rather dive in a pool with no water,” he joked.

Milkins rolled in four breaks over 50 to seal his progress with a 6-1 win over Bai Yulu, whose 75 in the sixth frame prevented the whitewash.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan starts his bid for a fifth title against Ali Carter on Tuesday afternoon.

• Second round: John Higgins 6-3 Kyren Wilson
• Second round: Judd Trump 6-5 Jack Lisowski
• First round: Mark J Williams 6-1 Pang Junxu
• First round: Robert Milkins 6-1 Bai Yulu