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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Prenderville

Mark Williams out of UK Championship as upset stomach forces him off after five minutes

Mark Williams was hampered by an upset stomach as his UK Championship campaign came to an end in the last 32.

The Welshman was beaten 6-3 by countryman Jamie Clarke on Monday as he battled with illness which forced him off the table after just five minutes.

Williams, 47, dashed backstage in one of the earliest toilet breaks in history and had to do so again as the match went on as his stomach played havoc.

His performance was visibly impacted as Clarke managed to maintain a decent level and progressed to face off against Ding Junhui in the next round in York.

Speaking after the match, Williams delivered an honest - and slightly graphic - assessment: "‘It must be [food poisoning]. I went out there with a pair of boxers on, by frame three they were gone, that’s all I can say really.

"If it wasn’t the UK Championships I’m not sure I’d have come back out after the interval, to be honest.

"It’s a bit disappointing for myself because I’ve been practicing hard while I’m up here and hitting the ball really well. But when you go out there and you’re shaking like a leaf all over your body, you’ve got no chance. I tried, but jut no chance.

"I’ve got to go and find my boxers in the bin somewhere now."

Clarke, who was informed of Williams' issues by the officials, did offer some sympathies for his opponent.

He added: "‘Obviously he was uncomfortable and he’s had something bad to eat, I was sympathising but it didn’t put me off at all.

"I was just laughing. I said to the crowd, “Have I won?” I thought he’d given up! On a serious note, I hope he’s alright.

"In a strange way it helped me because it took the attention away from me. I’m just chuffed to get a good win against a top player in one of our biggest events."

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