finalist may now be embarrassed by his own self-deprecating comments after setting up a clash with Zhao Xintong at the Crucible. The Welshman, 50, rolled back the years to beat world No.1 17-14 in his semi-final, to move within one win of a fourth world title.

Williams is now on the brink of becoming the sport's oldest ever world champion. That's despite an ongoing battle with eyesight problems, only last month He's since fitted contact lenses, and the change has certainly done the trick.

The 'Welsh Potting Machine' appeared a rank outsider for the title when he was hammered 10-3 by Ding Junhui at the Tour Championship in April. Afterwards, he made comments about his Crucible hopes, which now appear misplaced.

"I don't think I potted five balls tonight," he said. "No hard luck, he outplayed me. "I'll have to stick with them (contact lenses). The World Championship is left this season. Whoever qualifies is going to be praying they draw me in the first round."

It was Chinese player Yize Wu who drew Williams first up. The three-time champion endured a tough encounter before winning 10-8, and then disposed of Iranian star Hossein Vafaei 13-10.

However, it was in his quarter-final that Williams really showed his true mettle, in a clash for the ages in Sheffield. That led to former rival Stephen Hendry making light of his eyesight claims and wholeheartedly praising the veteran.

"This is why he is my hero," said the BBC pundit. "And to think he's doing this without being able to see properly. Imagine if his eyesight was working properly."

Williams will have his work cut out against Zhao, after the Chinese. Star produced a sublime performance to overcome in his final four-match. Regardless, he's defied all expectations in Sheffield, least of all his own.