Rejuvenated Welshman Mark WIlliams hopes to continue to pack a punch at snooker’s Maplin UK Championship in Shropshire this week – with the possible help of boxer Joe Calzaghe.

The twice former UK and World champions has slipped to 40th in the provisional rankings after an horrendous run of form has left him battling to remain in the top 32.

But Williams has displayed signs of returning to his best at the Telford International Centre, reaching the quarter-finals by by reeling off eight frames on the trot to fight back from 5-1 down and defeat in-form Northern Irelander Mark Allen 9-5 yesterday.

And he revealed close friend and newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Calzaghe may come to Shropshire to lend his support should the Williams resurgence continue this week.

“Joe may come if I get to the later stages but I think it’s brilliant he has got the award,” said Williams.

“I was surprised he got it because he doesn’t usually win things like that – but he definitely deserved it,” he added

Williams – whose quarter-final against Stephen Maguire was due to be played to a conclusion tonight – admitted he is not getting carried away by his improved form.

“At the start of the game, Mark (Allen) reminded me of myself 10 years ago when he was potting everything and walking around the table without a care in the world,” he added.

“But I thought I still had every chance at 5-3 because if I won the first couple yesterday, all the pressure was on him.

“It would be a nice surprise to win the tournament but I just want to get some matches and some confidence going.

“I will leave thinking about winning a tournament for the moment,” said Williams.

By James Garrison