Mark Williams, the three-time World Snooker champion, faced unique challenges during his participation at the Tianren Cup Lhasa Winter Plateau Snooker Challenge held from January 5 to 7, 2025. Playing at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, Williams had to connect to oxygen support during the exhibition event, highlighting the difficulties posed by high-altitude conditions.
The Welshman, 49, shared his experience on social media, posting a photo of himself with nasal tubes connected to an oxygen tank. He joked, "Playing at over 15000 feet ain’t as easy as u think. Oxygen needed," indicating the stark reality of snooker at such heights. Despite the alarming situation, Williams quickly reassured his fans: "I’m fine, I’m not sick," clarifying the necessity for the oxygen due to the altitude rather than any personal illness.
Lhasa, where the event took place, sits at 11,998 feet, making it one of the highest cities globally. Such elevations lead to lower air pressure and reduced oxygen availability, which can result in altitude sickness among competitors. Williams is not alone; last year, fellow snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan also required oxygen support during his matches held at the same altitude.
Alongside Williams, the tournament featured snooker icons including Judd Trump, Ding Junhui, and Xiao Guodong. Traveling for exhibitions, these players were also involved earlier at the CBSA Superstar Invitational event in Hangzhou, China, from January 1 to 3, just before making their way to Tibet. The short period of time between events adds to the taxing schedule surrounding the beginning of the 2025 snooker season.
The Tianren Cup serves as preparation for the prestigious Masters Tournament which starts at Alexandra Palace on January 12, 2025. Williams is set to face Ding Junhui in his opening round match, as excitement mounts for this year's competition. Both he and Trump expressed delight at the breathtaking views of Tibet, which provided stunning scenery for the exhibition alongside the rigors of competing at such heights.
Williams, recognizing his condition during the game, humorously noted, "It's goodnight Irene" if players do not take precautions with oxygen. His social media presence was especially engaging as he returned to fans with updates after the match, detailing the effects of playing at high altitudes. He remarked how he felt dizzy at points, stating, "I felt like I was going to fall over on the first frame"—a candid reflection of the physical toll such conditions have on athletes.
Overall, the high-altitude snooker exhibition not only showcased the skills of top players but also threw light on the serious challenges they face even when participating outside competitive circuits. With his declared intent to return to form and previous success—having captured multiple ranking titles over his lengthy career—Williams remains positive. After the Tibetan exhibition, he will have to recalibrate and ready himself for the challenges of the approaching Masters.
The Masters will launch with several exciting matches, including defending champion O’Sullivan against John Higgins, promising to deliver captivating snooker action to fans worldwide. Mark Williams’ experience serves as a reminder of the sport's demanding nature, even more so when the venue reaches lofty heights.
While altitude sickness is not uncommon among high-achieving athletes, the camaraderie among competitors like Williams, Trump, Ding, and O’Sullivan showcases the supportive spirit of snooker professionals. They often lend aid to each other, sharing knowledge and experiences about competing under extreme conditions, creating bonds through the struggle of excellence.
Despite the rigorous demands of the sport, the thrill and passion for snooker keep these champions dedicated, ready to embrace the upcoming competitions as they gear up for the new snooker season.