DOUBLE world champion Mark Williams has revealed the secret to his improved form at the BetVictor Welsh Open snooker in Cardiff today – he’s stopped thinking.

The Cwm cueman was so frustrated with his display in the first round on Monday that he said he felt like he was ‘playing with someone else’s arms’ when he edged past Lyu Chenwei.

Williams, world champion in 2000 and 2003, beat Rod Lawler 4-2 in round two last night and was much happier with his performance after another 4-2 win over Kurt Maflin this afternoon.

“I’m very happy,” said the 40-year-old. “My main aim was to play as fast as I can; as soon as I see the shot, just pull back and hit it. No pause, no thinking, just hit it and stop thinking about things I have been thinking about.

“I potted quite a few long ones and made a few good breaks so I’m going to go out with the same mind set again.

“Obviously it’s not really the way to play – you’ve got to take your time and show some composure.

“But I just felt in the last two games I’ve been thinking about things too much and playing slower.

“I had to change something and do something different because I’m playing too many matches like that.

“So I thought I’d go back to how I was when I was a youngster – as soon as I see it just pull back and hit it and wherever the white finishes get down and hit it again.”

Williams will face Selby in the last 16 tomorrow and he says the world number one holds no fears for him.

“I look forward to it – it should be on the TV table and in front of a good crowd and I’ve got a very good record against Mark Selby,” he said.

“He’s the best player in the world and obviously he’ll be very difficult for me but if I can get that kind of form going then I’m going to be a handful for him.

“I know I’m going to be a very tough match for him and it’s only best of seven so anyone can win.”

There was no such joy for fellow home favourite Matthew Stevens, who was beaten 4-3 by Martin Gould.

The Carmarthen star led 2-1 and should have made it 3-1 but missed his chance and Gould produced a break of 107 to clinch the match in the deciding frame.

“I should have gone 3-1 up really,” said Stevens. “In the best of sevens those frames are quite big – every match is 50/50.

“But I’m not too disappointed. I’m happy with the way I’m hitting the ball and it’s all about the build-up to the World Championships now, which is the one I’m really excited about.”