Gareth Blainey

Mark Williams spoke to me at Venue Cymru after a 4-2 defeat v Barry Hawkins in the last 16 of the Welsh Open : “It looked like I was going to go 3-2 up. I was on a break of 57 - I potted a good red : I went in off in the middle pocket. It’s fine margins at this high level”.

No Welsh player has won the Welsh Open since Mark Williams in 1999 and after a 4-1 win v Martin O’Donnell to reach the last 16 Williams told me “It would be good for the people of North Wales to see a Welshman just get to the final. Hopefully one day some Welshman’s going to win”

Jak Jones spoke to me at Venue Cymru about the prospect of facing Neil Robertson in the last 16 of the Welsh Open tomorrow. Jones beat Robertson in the World Grand Prix 3 weeks ago : “Neil is one of the best players ever. I know I can beat him. Hopefully I can play well”.

Jak Jones speaking to me at Venue Cymru after he beat Anthony McGill 4-2 to reach the last 16 of the Welsh Open for the 3rd time in 4 years : “It’s nice to do it in my home tournament. Hopefully I can play better in my next match and give myself a good chance”.

Mark Williams, speaking to me at Venue Cymru after beating Michael Holt 4-2, disagrees with Jackson Page who thinks the Welsh Open should be held in South Wales instead of Llandudno : “I don’t agree with that. This venue and the crowd we get here is as good as anywhere.”

Jak Jones reacting to Jackson Page’s comments that the Welsh Open should be staged in South Wales : “ I agree with him. Venue Cymru is a lovely place, the crowds are amazing but it doesn’t feel like the Welsh Open - it’s like going to any other tournament really”.

Jak Jones speaking to me at Venue Cymru after beating Liam Highfield 4-1 in the first round of the Welsh Open a few months after breaking his right hand : “I punched the table in frustration in practice and regretted it immediately! I broke my hand in two places.”

I’m sad to hear that Colin Addison has passed away. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with him during his time as @SwansOfficial manager and to commentate alongside him for @BBCRadioWales . A lovely man and great company. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Remembering Wyn Davies who has died aged 83. With goals like this one against England in November 1966, you can see why he was nicknamed 'Wyn The Leap' #BBCFootball

44 appearances for @Cymru, alongside Premier League and Championship experience 👊 Find out more about our latest arrival ⬇️ 🔴⚪ #WxmAFC

"Spit it out, Rob!" 🤣 The oldest Semi-Finalist since Welsh legend Ray Reardon in 1985...Welsh legend Mark Williams. Watch full interview 👇 #HaloWorldChampionship

Mark Williams is the oldest player to win a match at the Crucible for 15 years. Legend.

Dyma drefn gemau’r 4 Cymro. The draw for the 4 Welshmen in the World Championship - in chronological order : Mark Williams v Wu Yize (starts Sat pm); Jak Jones v Zhao Xintong (starts Sun am); Daniel Wells v Shaun Murphy (starts Tues am); Ryan Day v Luca Brecel (starts Wed pm)

@WrexhamTickets I would like a ticket for the match at Lincoln and I’m willing to pay over the odds for one. Please DM me if you can help.

@WrexhamTickets it’s a long shot but I would like a spare ticket for the match at Lincoln and willing to pay over the odds for one

Teyrnged hyfryd cyn i’r chwarae ddechrau yn rownd derfynol Pencampwriaeth Agored Cymru yn @VenueCymru yn Llandudno : munud o gymeradwyaeth er cof am Ray Reardon a Terry Griffiths.

A lovely tribute before play started in the Welsh Open final at @VenueCymru in Llandudno : a minute’s applause in memory of Ray Reardon and Terry Griffiths #WelshOpen #Snooker

.@JacksonPage147 Jackson Page talking to me at Venue Cymru after he beat Tom Ford 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of his home event - the Welsh Open - for the first time : “The venue’s great, the fans are brilliant, it’s a packed crowd. It makes you feel extra special.”

.@ryan23day Ryan Day has just beaten Ma Hailong 4-2. That means there’ll be 4 Welsh players in the last 16 of the Welsh Open for the first time since the tournament started in 1992 : Day, Jackson Page, Jamie Jones & Matthew Stevens.