LIFTING weights has left Mark Williams stricken at the Coral UK Championship.

The two-time winner comfortably got through his first round clash at York Barbican - beating Steven Hallworth 6-1 - but is battling a neck injury that is preventing him from stretching out for long shots.

Williams picked up the injury pumping iron, as part of a new healthy regime which has seen him shed two stone in weight.

And, while comfortable in the balls in and around the back spot, the 39-year-old looked noticeably troubled when having to reach up the table.

He said: “I have been at the weights the last month or so and I have done something to my neck. I have had it for about three weeks or so now and it is starting to get worse.

“If I have got to stretch it is all round my shoulder and my neck and I can’t get down to some shots. I have had physio back home and it has eased it a bit. I need some more, definitely.

“I can’t get down to a couple of them (shots). I couldn’t stretch out. I had to take the rest out but there is no sign that is going to clear up in the next few days.

“It is going to take a while, I think. I am all right in the balls. It is just when I am stretching out.”

Williams knocked in breaks of 101, 83, 72 and 75 in his victory and, following a run to the semi-finals of the International Championship last month, could be starting to recover the form that saw him take 18 ranking titles.

“I played well. I had a lot of big breaks - one visit breaks - and I put him under pressure from the off," he added. "I knew it would be difficult for him starting off, in the big arena and he is new on the tour, so I just had to keep it as tight as I could.

“i am making a lot more breaks and feeling - I wouldn’t say like my old self, it would be silly to say that - I am getting back a bit of form.”

Williams also admitted he was “dreading” his second round clash in the much maligned sports hall against Jimmy Robertson, who beat Zhou Yuelong 6-1, on Saturday.

“I have to be careful what I call it, because it cost me a lot of money last time, but I was in here watching a few matches yesterday (Wednesday) and it is quite demoralising really - playing out there when you have got such a lovely arena,” he added.

“I feel sorry for anyone who is playing out there and it looks like I am so I have just got to get on with it and try my best.

“There are so many players at the venue - I don’t think there is any other way they can do it. It is what it is.

“If I am out there, which it says on the schedule, I would like lying if I said I am looking forward to it. I am dreading it.”

Williams continued: “We play the qualifiers in Barnsley, it is the same kind of set up. Probably Barnsley and Doncaster are better but it is difficult if you are playing out there because it is the UK Championship.

“You all get to the venue but is it worth everyone getting to the venue when you are playing out the back there?

“It is no different playing out there than if you were playing at Barnsley to qualify. Should 128 be at the venue really?”