Griffiths: Williams to rule roost

Griffiths says Williams can do anything if he keeps his motivation

New world champion Mark Williams is being tipped to dominate the sport by coach Terry Griffiths.

Williams claimed is second Crucible title by defeating Irishman Ken Doherty 18-16 in an absorbing final.

And Griffiths says his fellow Welshman can use Monday's dramatic success to kick-start a long and glorious reign.

"I call him (Williams) the man for all seasons," said Griffiths. "He has a lot of inner strength and can adapt to whatever's out there.

"Mark can do whatever he wants to do. He's got the skill, got the temperament - it's just a matter of whether he can keep the motivation."

Towards the end of the Doherty game Williams just looked a different player

Terry Griffiths

Williams has already earned his place alongside the legends of the game.

In winning the big three - the UK Championships, the Masters and the World Championships - he has recovered the world number-one position, something only previously achieved by countryman Ray Reardon.

Before Monday's dramatic win over Ken Doherty, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry were the only players in the game's history to win more than once at the Crucible.

Wales' cueing kings

And Griffiths, a Crucible champion himself in 1979, feels Williams deserves to stand in the company of Reardon, Davis and Hendry, the game's three most distinguished names.

"Towards the end of the Doherty game he just looked a different person, a different player," said Griffiths.

"That's what true champions have the ability to do.

"He's an inspiration for all the young players in Wales. They'll all want to emulate him and maybe one day we'll have another Mark Williams at the Crucible."

Have your say on snooker