OTHER than a slight concern about being on the receiving end of an Ali Carter shoulder barge, Mark Williams is heading into his Betfred Snooker World Championship quarter-final more confident than he’s been for years.

The 43-year-old’s resurgent season – which has included two ranking titles, his first for six years – has stretched to the Crucible Theatre, where he followed up a first-round cruise past Jimmy Robertson with a 13-7 triumph over veteran journeyman Rob Milkins in round two.

The Cwm cueman was 10-6 up heading into Monday evening’s final session, despite not playing particularly impressive snooker, but hit his straps with breaks of 101, 83 and 72 to sail over the line.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s conqueror Carter is his last-eight foe but their second-round clash made more headlines for the tetchy nature of the match, which included a shoulder barge when the players passed at the side of the table.

But as he seeks a third world title – and a first for 15 years – Williams is relishing being at the business end of the Worlds once more.

“I’m in the quarter-finals, there’s only three more matches to go, so anyone can win it,” he said.

“I’m just looking forward to playing – if I can continue playing how I finished off against Rob, then I’ll be much happier.

“It’s excellent to be back in the quarter-finals. I’m playing better than I was two years ago [when he last made the quarters] and better than I was even five or ten years ago. This is the best stuff I’ve played in god knows how long.

“Ali has obviously played better than Ronnie in their match. He’s stood up to him and Ronnie didn’t respond to him – he was better throughout.

“When I play him, I might have to walk sideways back to my chair a couple of times in case he gives me a little dig! Other than that, it should be fine.

“Why not have a bit of needle! It’s got you boys in the media talking and it was only a little shoulder barge.

“I can’t really think of any shoulder barges before. I’ve seen a little bit of needle, talking and banging cues but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a good old shoulder barge! We need more of it!”

Williams’ renaissance – which he puts down to linking up with new coach Steve Feeney and his SightRight technology – has garnered comparisons to his peak, when he won the World Championship in 2000 and 2003.

The Welshman doesn’t believe he has quite recaptured those levels but is enjoying the improvement while it lasts.

“I don’t think I’m anywhere near how good I was at my peak but I’m not too far away,” added Williams. “I’ve probably had more century breaks this year than ever before.

“My scoring is getting better, my long potting is 100 per cent better than it was a few years ago and I’m just enjoying it. Once I’m enjoying it and playing well, I’m a tough match for anyone.

“How long it lasts I don’t know. It will be an interesting test after this season to see if I can carry on or if it was just a one-season fluke!”

Watch the snooker World Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with Colin Murray and analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.