Northern Ireland Open: Mark Williams battles pain to edge Elliot Slessor

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Mark Williams, who won the Northern Ireland Open in 2017, was clearly suffering in this year's second-round matchImage source, Zheng Zhai
Image caption,

Mark Williams, who won the Northern Ireland Open in 2017, was clearly suffering in this year's second-round match

Mark Williams continues to battle through the pain to reach the last 16 of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.

The three-time world champion, 46, is suffering from gout in his left foot.

The Welshman described his struggles after limping through to beat Elliot Slessor 4-3 in the second round.

"It was a good win for me even though I didn't expect to win again and managed to scrape through," Williams said.

"It was nearly four hours there for a best of seven [frames], I'm not sure I've played four hours for a best of seven in my life."

The Welshman had considered withdrawing from the event prior to his first-round game in Belfast, but managed to beat Mark Joyce 4-1.

"I was very close [to withdrawing]. I went to bed Monday, I was fine, I woke up Tuesday morning just screaming in pain, I couldn't put my foot down," said Williams, who won the Northern Ireland title in 2017.

"The first time my foot touched the ground really was Saturday night and that's when I booked my flight, I thought I may as well go over and give it a go.

"It must be difficult for who you're playing as well because they see me hopping round the table, can't get to easy shots, can't put any pressure on it [the foot].

"I don't know what my shot time is, but it would be pretty slow.

"I try my best, like I do every time, but even at 3-2 up I'd had enough out there, I didn't want to play anymore it just started throbbing again.

"That throbbing pain has eased up a little bit, but perhaps I'd been on it for quite a few hours yesterday in my match [against Joyce] and then nearly four hours there it just started throbbing - I'd just had enough, to be honest."

"I think I've got one or two days off now which is good, so I'm just going to keep off it as much as I can really - just lie in bed and do nothing."

After edging Slessor, Williams beat compatriot Jak Jones 4-2 in the next round.

He will play four-time world champion John Higgins on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.

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