A lot of people laughed at me when I put the bet on all those years ago, but I had complete faith in Mark's abilities

Kevin Bohn

"All those years ago I knew he had what it took to win the championship, although I must admit my nerves were jangling by the end.

"Now I'm going to spend the winnings backing him again next year!"

The 41-year-old factory worker spotted Williams as a 14-year-old prospect and bet a week's wages of �140 at odds of 300-1 that the Welshman would win the world title by 2000.

Mr Bohn's instincts were proved right when Williams won the Embassy World Championship, beating Matthew Stevens by 18 frames to 16.

Mr Bohn, who has followed the world champion's career since he was a teenager, said: "I always knew he would do it. A lot of people laughed at me when I put the bet on all those years ago, but I had complete faith in Mark's abilities. It was only a matter of time.

"You could see even back then that he was a world champion in the making, and I am so pleased for him that he has done it."

Loser Matthew Stevens

Mr Bohn first saw Williams play at a working men's club in Llanelli and recognised his talent instantly.

"He was a fantastic player even then and I was sure he would be world champion one day," he said. "I couldn't get over his ability - he was so cool under pressure. He was potting balls all over the place even though he could hardly see over the table."

Mr Bohn decided to stake one week's wages - which was �140 in 1989 - at odds of 300-1 with bookmaker Coral that Williams would be world champion by the end of 2000.

He has not decided how he will spend his winnings.