What Cue Does Mark Williams Use?
Short answer: Mark Williams switched to a Zhang Yu cue after signing a sponsorship deal in China, a change he made after the Saudi Arabia Masters. Stephen Hendry and other pundits criticised the timing, but Williams went on to win the Champion of Champions with it. A limited-edition replica of his playing cue, in ash or maple with an MWX hard tip, is sold through his own website.
| Spec | What we know |
|---|---|
| Maker | Zhang Yu (since the sponsorship switch) |
| Length | Not publicly documented |
| Weight | Not publicly documented |
| Tip | His team promotes Legends tips on the new cue; his replica cue ships with an MWX hard tip |
| Joint | Not publicly documented; his team highlighted a new nickel/alloy ferrule |
| Source confidence | High on maker and the switch; specs unknown |
The switch and the criticism
Changing cue in the middle of a career is a big decision, and Williams did it in his late forties. After signing a sponsorship deal in China earlier in the season, he began using a Zhang Yu cue. His results dipped at first, with 4-1 defeats at the British Open and the English Open, and Hendry among others questioned the wisdom of switching.
Williams had a characteristically straightforward answer. He said he did not have to use the cue, he just picked it up and liked it, and admitted that it takes a while to get used to a new cue. He then won the Champion of Champions, beating Xiao Guodong 10-6 in the final, which he felt proved the critics wrong.
Ferrules and tips
Williams’s team has talked about the combination of a new nickel/alloy ferrule and Legends tips (including a Willo 30th-anniversary tip) producing less deflection. It is a reminder that the small components at the business end of a cue can change how it plays as much as the wood does.
The replica cue
Williams sells an exact replica of his current playing cue through markwilliamssnooker.com, in a limited run of 147. There are ash and Canadian maple versions, both fitted with an MWX hard tip, and different ferrule sizes are offered. The page does not publish length or weight.
How the cue suits his game
Williams is one of the finest long potters the game has produced, with a relaxed, almost casual technique and a remarkable eye. Players like that tend to value a cue with minimal deflection so that long pots and side go where they are aimed, which fits the emphasis his team places on the ferrule and tip.
Changing cue late in a career
Williams has been a professional for more than three decades, and changing cue after so long is unusual. Most veterans stay with what they know. His willingness to switch, and his honesty about the adjustment period, is refreshing. He said it takes a while to get used to a new cue, and his early results after the change reflected that.
His eventual win at the Champion of Champions shows that a well-made cue can be learned at any stage, provided the player is patient enough to stick with it through the difficult first weeks.
Why ferrules and tips matter for long potters
A ferrule is the metal or composite cap at the end of the shaft that holds the tip. Its material and weight influence deflection, the small sideways movement of the cue ball when side is applied. Williams’s team highlighting a new nickel and alloy ferrule, together with a specific tip, reflects how much small changes at the front of the cue can affect long pots with side, which are a trademark of his game.
Sponsorship and cue choice
Cue sponsorships have become more common as Asian manufacturers invest in the professional game. They can be good for players and for the sport, but a player still has to perform with the cue. Williams’s experience shows both sides: an early dip in form and pointed criticism, followed by a significant title.
Ash or maple for a long potter?
Williams’s replica is offered in both North American ash and Canadian maple. Ash has the prominent grain most snooker players are used to, which many find helps them sight the shot. Maple has a smoother, almost grainless look and a slightly different feel through the ball. Neither is objectively better, and both are used by professionals. If you are a keen long potter, try both if you can: some players find they sight long pots more naturally with the grain lines of an ash shaft, while others prefer the clean look of maple. The best choice is the one that helps you aim consistently.
Want a cue like Mark Williams’s?
- Decide between ash and maple. His replica comes in both, and they feel quite different. This guide explains ash versus maple shafts.
- Take tips seriously. A hard tip holds its shape and suits a firm action; see snooker cue tips compared before you re-tip.
- Give a new cue time. Williams’s slow start shows how long adjustment can take. When you are ready, browse snooker cues at Best Snooker Cue.
Frequently asked questions
What cue does Mark Williams use?
Mark Williams plays with a Zhang Yu cue, which he switched to after signing a sponsorship deal in China. He admitted it took time to get used to, but won the Champion of Champions with it, beating Xiao Guodong 10-6 in the final.
Why was Mark Williams criticised for changing cue?
Stephen Hendry and other pundits questioned the decision to switch cue after a sponsorship deal, especially when his early results dipped. Williams said he chose the cue because he liked it, and his Champion of Champions win answered the criticism.
Can you buy a replica of Mark Williams’s cue?
Yes. His website sells a limited edition of 147 exact replicas of his current playing cue, in North American ash or Canadian maple, fitted with an MWX hard tip and offered with different ferrule sizes. Length and weight are not listed on the page.
