HE MAY have taken a three-frame lead but Mark Williams revealed he was never comfortable as fellow Welshman Ryan Day fought back to dump him out of the Betway UK Championship, writes Charlie Peat.

In a thrilling encounter at the York Barbican, Williams was able to make breaks of 54 and 102 to go 4-1 up against Day heading into the mid-session break.

The Cwm cueman has hoisted the trophy twice but any thought of replicating former glories was put on hold as Day came back with three consecutive frames to level at 4-4.

Williams was able to compose himself and pull ahead, but once again 37-year-old Day responded, with breaks of 58 and 68 clinching a compelling tussle.

And veteran potter Williams claims he was not able to produce his usual verve at the table against his compatriot.

He said: “I’m disappointed because I played quite poorly, but take nothing away from Ryan, he’s in the Masters race and good luck to him.

“To be honest, I never felt comfortable at all.”

Williams took to social media last week to reveal his cue tip had split between matches and revealed after Monday’s defeat that a new one was causing him problems on the baize.

He added: “I put a new tip on my cue because my other tip split again.

"I’m not saying I would’ve won the match but I would’ve played much better than I did. I really struggled.

“It’s difficult to put a new tip on and go out there and play in front of the cameras.

"It’s happened a few times to me now.”

Williams had won the last two against his Welsh rival but was quick to pay tribute to Day and believes the draw has opened up for him.

“He’s got a chance as he’s still in,” Williams said. “The draw has opened up a little bit now. I fancy him to win his next game."

Watch live coverage of the UK Championship on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.