Does Mark Williams Really Skip Practice? Jackson Page Reveals the Truth.

Does Mark Williams Really Skip Practice? Jackson Page Reveals the Truth.

 

 

There has long been a whisper in snooker circles: Mark Williams, the three‑time world champion and ever‑relaxed icon, isn’t a conventional “grinder” in practice. Some claim he doesn’t put in the hours, that he relies more on natural feel and match sharpness than repeated drills. Now, his protégé and close friend Jackson Page has offered his perspective — and it may surprise those assuming Williams is sitting back.

The Rumour Mill & Its Roots

Williams is famous for his laidback style — both in demeanor and approach. Over the years, commentators and fans have observed that he sometimes arrives at tournaments without the look of someone who’s just clocked 10 hours in the practice room. His philosophy seems more touch-based and intuitive than rigidly regimented. Indeed, Williams has in the past spoken about how many of his shots in matches are ones he has “played all the time” during practice, implying a kind of muscle memory over formulaic repetition.

Still, the notion that he “doesn’t practice” at all is an exaggeration — the better question is about how much and with what focus.

Jackson Page Speaks Out

Jackson Page, who has been mentored and regularly practices (or plays) alongside Williams, was recently asked about these speculations. He gave a candid insight:

> “He may not come in the club for a week or two — or a month or two — if I beat him.”

This comment implies that Williams’ presence at the club can be sporadic, depending on schedule or mood. But more importantly, Page frames this not as neglect but as part of a dynamic between them. He recognizes that Williams’ approach might be atypical, but it doesn’t necessarily mean laziness or lack of preparation.

In other interviews, Page has credited Williams heavily for his own development, especially in safety play, shot selection, and mental discipline. He acknowledges that much of what he’s learned comes from observing Williams rather than from formal instruction.

So while Page doesn’t explicitly say “Williams never practices,” he does concede that Williams doesn’t always maintain a visible routine.

What the Evidence Suggests

In matches, Williams still delivers top‑level performances. At the 2025 World Championship, he stunned critics by delivering a dominant 13–3 victory over Page, compiling six centuries in the process.

His decades‑long success, including over 600 centuries in his career, suggests he knows how to tune his practice to preserve sharpness without overdoing it.

The idea that great players can sometimes rely on “feel,” instincts, and selective reps is not new in elite sport. Williams seems to embody a more efficient, rather than voluminous, model of preparation.

Verdict: Myth or Reality?

The statement “Mark Williams doesn’t practice” is too absolute. What Page’s remarks reveal is a more nuanced truth: Williams practices less like a conventional professional snooker player — less regimented, perhaps more selective — but he doesn’t ignore it. His physical presence at the club may ebb and flow, and some weeks might see him away entirely, but when big matches come, his form suggests that his internal rhythm, experience, and targeted work keep him sharp.

In short: Williams likely doesn’t practice in the traditional sense all the time — but he certainly doesn’t leave his game to chance. And Jackson Page, perhaps better than most, understands that strange balance between casualness and excellence.