Williams awarded top honour

Mark Williams celebrates his World Championship win

Mark Williams received a boost before his Liverpool Victoria UK Championship final against John Higgins when he was named player of the season for 1999/2000.

The award, voted for by the Snooker Writers' Association, capped a memorable season for the Welshman, topped by his 18-16 Embassy World Championship final victory over Matthew Stevens last May.

The 25-year-old also topped the world rankings and earnings list, thanks to victories in the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship and the retention of his Thailand Masters title.

Ali Carter, the 21-year-old world number 92, was named the young player of the season after reaching the Grand Prix semi-finals.

Carter's run included victories over Stephen Hendry and Marco Fu, while he also defeated Steve Davis on his B&H Masters debut at Wembley.

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was the recipient of a special 'achievement of the season' award.

The award was in recognition of the 500th century break of his career in an altodigital.com Premier League match at Stirling last April.