Northern Ireland Open 2026: Mark Williams borrows referee’s glasses before opting against audacious pot in quarter-final win over David Gilbert

Having levelled at 4-4, the 51-year-old found himself in a fiendish position as he looked to pot a long red, which was partially blocked off by the pink.

TNT Sports co-commentator Dominic Dale said: “Does he need to apply a touch of side spin to the cue ball to spin the red towards the pocket? It’s a really difficult pot to play on these super fine cloths.

“Do you know, I don’t think he can play it. I really don’t think he can play it. He’s almost got to try and play a mini-swerve around the pink. Ooh, I don’t know.”

As silence swept around the arena, Williams stooped down to assess the shot before comically covering his right eye temporarily to draw a few murmurs of laughter from the audience.

As he readjusted to stand upright once more, seemingly second-guessing himself, the referee offered him his glasses. Williams accepted the gift to widespread applause and initially acted as though it had made all the difference.

Everyone was amused by the incident, before the member of the iconic ‘Class of 92’ thought better of going for the audacious pot and instead chose a safety shot.

TNT Sports commentator David Hendon said: “Well, even with the help of the referee’s spectacles, he decided he couldn’t see it anyway. At least he hasn’t missed.”

After six frames, Williams’ highest break was 52, with one knock of 31. At that stage, he was hanging on with Gilbert in the ascendancy.

Back in 2017, had you told Williams he would be competing deep into this competition, he might not have believed it – but the Welshman looked in rude health on Friday night as he completed the turnaround to advance.

There appeared to be no signs of Father Time catching up on the three-time world champion – and Williams, who required just over half an hour to clock up his three consecutive centuries, showcased his confidence at a time of supposed tension with another sublime long red to set up the victory in the 10th frame.

Hendon called him “unplayable” as he took the acclaim from those in the stands and made his way off the stage – and judging by the manner in which he dusted off the earlier deficit, few would count against Williams adding a second Northern Ireland Open crown to his list of honors, with or without glasses.

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Video credit: TNT Sports