The birth of his first child less than 24 hours before beginning the defence of his Embassy World title will be a "huge boost" to Mark Williams, according to snooker legend Terry Griffiths.
And Griffiths, champion in 1979, predicts a Williams-Stephen Hendry final at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on May 3rd.
Williams became a dad earlier today when fiancée Jo Dent gave birth to a 6lb 9oz boy in a Cardiff hospital.
But he had to leave mum and son in readiness to face fellow Welshman Dominic Dale at 10am tomorrow.
"Mark's flying," said Griffiths who chauffeured the world champion to South Yorkshire after his emotional morning. "Dominic was probably hoping Mark wasn't going to turn up. Obviously the baby's arrival has been on his mind for some time now.
"He didn't know exactly what was going to happen. But now everything is fine he can concentrate on his snooker. It's a massive boost for him and he's looking forward to playing."
Griffiths - Llanelli snooker club owner and coach to both Williams and seven times world champion Hendry - added: "Mark's form is also returning and he's been playing a lot better of late. It's been said the tournament is wide open. And you do get some shocks in the first round.
"But if the top seeds get through then there won't be any surprises. Mark's number one seed and Stephen number two and I would expect them to meet in the final."
Williams is attempting to be the first player since Hendry in 1996 to retain the title. Ken Doherty, John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Peter Ebdon and Hendry have all failed to do so since then.
The world number one captured snooker's 'Triple Crown' of World, UK and Masters titles last season. But his only success this time was in the LG Cup at Preston last October. And he arrives in Sheffield with Ronnie O'Sullivan breathing down in his neck in the rankings.