Stan Moody handed world title shot after Ronnie O'Sullivan heaps praise on snooker wonderkid – 'He will win tournaments'

World junior champion Stan Moody is set to enjoy an early taste of the snooker big time when he begins his first crack at the Crucible next month. 16-year-old Moody secured his professional tour card for next season with a 5-1 victory over Liam Pullen in the World Snooker Federation junior final before losing 5-0 to China's Ma Hai Long a week later in the senior version, but will continue his development by making his debut in the sport's blue-chip event. Ad The Halifax wonderkid has been invited to compete at the English Institute of Sport with 15 other leading amateurs as qualifying begins (3-12 April) for the 47th World Championship (LIVE on Eurosport and discovery+).

SnookerWho will join O'Sullivan in 1,000 centuries club? Why tons are so special21 HOURS AGO Moody lost 5-2 to Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Six Red World Championship last week, but the seven-time world champion was impressed with his opponent's temperament. «Stan is going to be good. He has composure and that’s always a sign,» he told reporters.

«If they look a little bit vulnerable out there, then you think, can they handle the pressure? »But he certainly looked really comfortable out there. He just needs some experience. He will win tournaments I’d imagine for sure.” Moody will be joined in Sheffield by amateur rivals Ma, Pullen, new women's world champion Baipat Siripaporn and Daniel Wells – who beat Judd Trump last month in reaching the Welsh Open last 16 – as the long qualifying path to the Crucible begins.