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Mark Williams attacks World Snooker over family access at the Crucible


Defending champion Mark Williams launched another attack on World Snooker after booking his place in the second round of the World Championship at the Crucible.

Williams' 10-7 win over qualifier Martin Gould was overshadowed by an incident prior to the match in which the 44-year-old claimed his 12-year-old son Kian was prevented from visiting him in his dressing room.

The Welshman's allegations, which the governing body rigorously denied, are the latest in a series of gripes he has with the organisation over perceived unfair treatment during his reign as champion.

Williams said: "They (World Snooker) have obviously got some kind of beef with me, but whatever it is you'll have to ask them.

"I've been having all this nonsense all season really and this morning was the last straw really. My boy tried to get in to say good luck and I couldn't get him in because I'd used my two passes.

"It's pathetic in my eyes. If you're the world champion you expect some kind of [favour]. But I wasn't going to let it play on mind. It's only my opinion and they will say that nothing's wrong."

A spokesman for World Snooker denied that Williams' son had been denied entry to the dressing room, but pointed out that the player had chosen to give his two allotted passes to his coach and his friend.

The spokesman said: "Every player in the event is allocated two backstage passes. And they can make their own decisions who to give those to. At no point were his children refused entry."

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