Mark Williams requests deposit back after reaching World Championship final

has asked for his deposit back on his lens replacement surgery after reaching the final of the . The 50-year-old cruised to victory over in the semi-finals to set up a clash with Zhao Xintong, despite battling with vision problems throughout the competition.

Williams is hoping to become the oldest champion in Crucible history by winning his fourth title this year, though it hasn't been smooth sailing over the past few months for the Welshman. He has been struggling with his eyesight and a decision was taken for him to undergo surgery next month as a result.

However, Williams has joked that his performances so far at the Crucible is enough to prompt him reconsider whether to go ahead with the procedure, and he would like his deposit back on the surgery in the meantime.

Speaking to the BBC after his win over Trump, he said: "I came here with not much form, I lost in the first round in the past few tournaments, but I wasn't really too concerned.

"I worked in the club from half past eight every morning for four or five hours, me and Lee [Walker, Williams' coach], and we've been putting the hours in just to try to get a bit of form, trying with contacts and without contacts.

"I really struggled with my eyes in the past couple of tournaments and I've tried everything - contacts, varifocals. I left it for Lee to decide because he knows if I'm playing alright and how I'm hitting them, and he said he thought I was better off going without them.

"Lens replacement was booked for 12 June - deposit paid - but I'm going to have to have a think. I want my deposit back!"

Williams went on to speak about how he has faced upcoming opponent Xintong previously, though it was many years ago when the Chinese star was breaking through the ranks as a teenager - and he is now 28. He said: "I remember playing him when he was 11 or 12 in China.

"We played a best-of-five, he beat me 3-1, there was about 500 people there and it was live on TV. He had two total clearances. I told everyone then that he's going to be pretty good. It would be a great occasion if a Chinese player wins the World Championship and great for our sport - but not just yet!"