Late-night kebabs, potting with his eyes closed and sitting naked in his press conference – Mark Williams’ 2018 World Championship will certainly go down as memorable.
But if you thought the Welsh potting machine was done there as he looks to defend his title, you haven't seen anything yet at the Crucible.
Williams was as surprised as anyone to be holding snooker’s biggest prize, with media duty nudity the result of a bet that not even he expected to make.
One year on and the three-time champion is ready for more spills and thrills – both on and off the table.
“I had four or five days in Dubai and it was one of the best hotels I’ve ever seen, it was unbelievable,” he said.
“I think I might be banned from going back there – but while I was there I enjoyed every minute of it.
“If I win again, this time I’ll come into the press conference doing cartwheels, who cares!”
The bid for cartwheels begins on the opening Saturday morning for Williams, though London’s Martin Gould is not set to be a walkover for the Welshman.
A second-round clash with either Dave Gilbert or Joe Perry would then await but Williams knows exactly who the favourite is heading to Sheffield.
Defending @Betfred World Champ @markwil147 gets his 21st Crucible campaign underway at 10am, LIVE on @BBCSport & @Eurosport_UK!
— World Snooker (@WorldSnooker) April 20, 2019
The Welsh Potting Machine's @Snooker19Game stats ain't too shabby.
What would yours be? 🤔 #ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/t0GtkaPy9O
Ronnie O’Sullivan regained the world No.1 mantle from Mark Selby and is enjoying the season of his life, bringing up the 1000th century of his esteemed career along the way.
Not that Williams is keen to look too far into the future.
“I can’t believe 12 months has gone by so quickly, it’s unbelievable,” added the 44-year-old. “I just want to enjoy it, there’s no added pressure on my as defending champion – it’s not something I ever expected to be sat here talking about.
“It may never happen again, last year’s season was great and winning the World Championship capped my career off forever.
“I’ll try and win another one but my career is sorted, if I can add to my titles then great but if not, I’m just going to enjoy it.
“It’s shaping up to be another great tournament, it always is, every year we have some great stuff. Ronnie O’Sullivan is the man to beat but we’ve been saying that for the past five or six years.
“If he wins the tournament, nobody would be surprised, but he hasn’t done anything here for a while.”
Watch the World Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds
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