World champion Mark Williams has revealed the possibility of being ranked number one in the world again “means nothing” to him.

The Welshman, who is possibly in the best form of his life at the age of 43, could overtake Mark Selby in the world rankings in the coming months if his fine form continues.

Speaking after his Shanghai Masters second round victory against Anthony McGill, Williams told World Snooker that he felt the current best player in the world is Ronnie O’Sullivan – no matter what the rankings say.

The three-times world champion said: “Yes it’s achievable (becoming world number one by Christmas) and I’m catching him but as I’ve said before it means nothing to me.

Mark Williams. Picture by Monique Limbos

“I don’t really want to be number one, what does it mean? You’re in the last 128 of the tournamennt like everyone else.

“If I do become number one it will be great but it is nothing I’m interested in and it doesn’t mean anything. We all know who the number one player is in the world.

“I know Mark Selby has been there for six or seven years but we all know it (the number one player) is Ronnie O’Sullivan. If he enters every tournament, he’s way above everyone else. It just doesn’t mean anything.”

Here is the full interview.

Williams will take on Barry Hawkins today for a place in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

READ MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan – ‘This is the best I’ve seen Mark Williams play ever’

Follow The Old Green Baize by visiting http://www.theoldgreenbaize.com.

Or Follow us on Facebook by searching for TOGB Snooker or viewing our Twitter page @snooker_chat.

Contact us by emailing togbsnooker@gmail.com or visit the above social media channels and message us