Mark Williams has launched a scathing attack on British Airways for hitting him with a hefty bill to alter his return flight from China. The 50-year-old snooker pro had to adjust his travel plans after making it to the final of the Xi’an Grand Prix, where he is set to pocket a minimum of £76,000 in prize money. With a potential £177,000 jackpot on the line, Williams was less than pleased to discover that a significant portion of his winnings could be swallowed up by the cost of changing his flight.
In a tweet directed at British Airways, Williams expressed his frustration, questioning the sky-high price tag of £12,000 to push back his departure by just two days. The snooker veteran, who could become the oldest winner of a ranking tournament in history with a victory at the Xi’an Grand Prix, seemed more focused on the financial hit from the airline than his shot at making the record books. Despite the potential milestone at stake, Williams downplayed the significance of such an achievement, suggesting that his age was not a major factor in his pursuit of snooker success.
As he gears up for the final showdown in Xi’an, Williams remains grounded and pragmatic about his chances of rewriting the history books. The Welsh snooker star, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, recognizes the significance of reaching the final but remains cautious about the outcome. Reflecting on his journey to the championship match, Williams acknowledged the unpredictability of the sport and the competitive landscape he faces. With formidable opponents like Shaun Murphy and Gary Wilson awaiting him in the final, Williams is well aware that the road to victory will be a tough one. Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, Williams remains grateful for the opportunity to compete at the highest level and showcase his skills on the global stage.