Nottingham born snooker star Anthony Hamilton is through to the third round of the UK Championship after beating former World number one Mark Williams 6-5 in a game that sent the Welshman to sleep.

Williams who has been a professional player for over 30 years with 24 rankings titles to his name, stated “that’s the first time I’ve ever fell asleep in the chair” explaining “It was 3-2 (to Williams) and I was out. My head went down and I woke up and I didn’t have a clue where I was for about five seconds.”

Williams now 46, who has also recently missed two tournaments from contracting covid-19 stated “It was a bit embarrassing but I was just shattered.

“I need to be playing in the mornings really, or afternoons. The more the day goes on the more tired I get.”

Hamilton, now 50 is one of the oldest ever players to win at a ranking event and came back from 4-2 down to win three frames in a row before Williams squared at 5-5. The decider went the way of Hamilton who benefited from a huge fluke to take a break of 70 which see’s him into the third round where he’ll play Ricky Walden.

The ageing but in form star said of his win “I enjoyed it a lot. I didn’t enjoy the start because he looked really good for the first three frames.”

“I just dig in like I did in the first round, I was 3-0 down in that match too and I just dug in like I’ve been doing all season.”

Hamilton said “Good attitude, positive mindset, good or bad, you’d be surprised, if you win a frame or two these matches can turn around, but only if you dig in so I’m dead proud of that aspect of the match.”

“I was twitching all over the gaff at the end like I was 20. That’s why I want to stay on the tour, you only get that from sky diving and playing snooker. You won’t get that when you retire. These emotions are hard to come by.”

“I love being under pressure, it’s great, you’re not going to get that anywhere else.”

The 56^th ranked “Robin Hood of Snooker” beat Allan Taylor in the first round before seeing off the legendary Williams last night, the competition concludes at the Barbican in York this weekend with a winners share of 200,000 from the £1m plus prize pot.

*Main image @BBCSport Hamilton is through to round three of the UK Championship.