Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan says Mark Williams is playing the best snooker of his life.

Mark Williams. Picture by Monique Limbos

The five-times world champion made the comments after the 42-year-old Welshman won the German Masters title for a second time after thrashing Graeme Dott 9-1.

The huge victory earned Williams his second major ranking title of the season following his triumph in the Northern Ireland Open in November when he came back from behind to beat teenager Yan Bingtao in the Belfast final. He also lifted the Six red World Championship last autumn and is now positioned 7 in the latest world rankings.

Williams dominated the sport in the late 1990s early 2000s when he took over the mantle from Stephen Hendry. It was a period which saw Williams won two World Championship titles and other ranking titles.

But O’Sullivan, speaking as a Eurosport pundit, said this was the best he has ever seen him play.

He said: “I don’t think I have ever seen him play as well to be honest – even when he was playing really well when he got to number 1 in the world.

“It’s not just a one-off performance, he played good in Belfast but nothing like that (in the final) and if you look at his results this season – quarter-finals appearances and so consistent – he’s got to be one of the favourites going into Sheffield (the World Championship) now.

“He’s probably the player of the season because he’s done so well in every tournament he’s played in.”

His total prize money for this season so far stands at £367,500 which is the highest amount he has won since the 2002/2003 season   which ended him winning the World Championship for a second time. He has also made more century breaks this season (30) than ever other season in his professional career.