Snooker: Williams handed tough title defence opener

Mark Williams will open the defence of his Embassy World Championship title next month against a man well acquainted with the finest player in the game’s history.

The 25-year-old Welshman, already confirmed as world number one next season, takes on Billy Snaddon, the regular practise partner of Stephen Hendry, in the first round of snooker’s blue riband event at Sheffield.