Mark Williams's controversial break-off shot has been one of the big talking points at this year's World Snooker Championship.
Rather than a traditional break-off, the 2018 world champion has regularly chosen to roll the cue ball into the rear of the pack off the cushion. Williams believes not leaving on a long red for an opponent increases his chances of victory.
Though, it has not always worked out for him. In the third frame of his quarter-final against Mark Selby, he failed to hit the pack.
Still, he continued to use it. In the 15th frame against Mark Selby - down 11-3 - the Welshman chose to play the break with a twist. Round than play the shot off one cushion, he used four. By that stage, there was a playful resignation to Williams's game.
"We're going to see something different here from Williams," said Eurosport commentator Phil Studd.
"If a defensive break-off is plan B, this is probably plan X. At least he's hit the red. I guess when you're 11-3 down, you need to try something a bit leftfield."
Ever seen a break-off like this before? 😱@markwil147 delighted the Crucible crowd with his brilliant four-cushion break-off 👏 pic.twitter.com/x8mFED0coz
— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 28, 2021
Selby went on to win the frame, and the next, to win the match 13-3. He will play the winner of Anthony McGill and Stuart Bingham's quarter-final in the last-four.
Throughout the match, Williams maintained a sense of humour and adventure. In the eighth frame, the second of the three he won, the 46-year-old attempted to clear the table using the rest.
🤣 Rest assured, Mark Williams will entertain the crowds win or losepic.twitter.com/nAzNRyyeQ5
— Sporting Life Racing (@SportingLife) April 27, 2021
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