MARK WILLIAMS says he has a ‘not unusual’ friendship with superstar crooner Tom Jones.
The three-time world snooker champion is proud to walk out before matches to fellow Welshman Jones’ famous song Delilah.
AlamyMark Williams has opened up on his friendship with singer Tom Jones[/caption]
AlamyTom Jones pulled the snooker star up on stage back in 2018[/caption]
Megastar Jones — who had huge hits with What’s New Pussycat and It’s Not Unusual — and cueist Williams, 48, are firm friends.
The 83-year-old’s distinctive deep voice is often on the end of the line whenever the world No 8 does well on the baize.
And Williams received a congratulatory message when he lifted the British Open last October for his 25th ranking title.
Gwent ace Willo said: “Tom loves watching snooker and if I do well he always calls me to say, ‘Well done’.
“After the British Open, he said it was about time I won something. He even rings me when he’s in the USA.
“I first met him in Las Vegas. He was there with actor Don Archell and we went out for a few drinks for four or five nights in a row.
“He was getting us into bars and restaurants that I’d never get into otherwise.
“It felt unbelievable, to be going on nights out with Tom, given how famous he is. But he’s just a cracking bloke.
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“When I won the world title in 2018, he got me to come to one of his concerts in Cardiff and go up on stage with the trophy.
“That was more nerve-wracking for me than playing in the world final but it was great to watch him sing.”
Pontypridd-born Jones has sold more than 100 million records.
Williams said: “He has never watched me play live but he watches a lot of snooker on TV and maybe one day he’ll come to an event.”
The Masters, the first Triple Crown event of 2024, begins at Ally Pally tomorrow with reigning world champ Luca Brecel taking on Jack Lisowski in the opener.
Losing 2023 finalist Williams starts against Ali Carter on Monday evening.
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