WUNDERKIND Stan Moody is set to make his first appearance in the World Championships.
Here's everything we know about the young snooker prodigy whose nickname is 'The Action'.
Who is Stan Moody?
Stan Moody from Halifax, West Yorkshire is one of the brightest young talents coming through in the sport of snooker.
While playing Mark Allen in an exhibition match at Cue Gardens in Bradford, a member of staff there was so impressed with Moody's cue action the he nicknamed him ‘The Action’.
In 2021 Stan told EPSB: “It was Robbie Watson from The Ambassadors of the Green Baize who gave me the nickname when he watched me play in an exhibition with Mark Allen after he had not long since won the Masters in 2018.
“I think he was impressed with my cue action and said that I was ‘The Action’.”
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Stan won first match at a professional tournament while competing as an amateur at the 2022 Shoot Out.
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At the tender age of 15, Moody recorded a 53-27 win against Lu Ning to reach the second round, where he lost to Oliver Lines.
Speaking about the players he most looks up to in the sport, Stan said: “I really admire Mark Selby’s all-round game.
“At first, I didn’t fully engage with his style of play, but as my own safety game is getting better, I know how hard the game is both mentally and safety wise.
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“I just appreciate how good they all are.
“I think my strengths are potting and break-building.
“I’ve been a good potter since day one – I just wanted to pot balls like anyone else from a young age and I’m now regularly making breaks above 70.”
After world No1 Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Stan at the Six Red World Championship in March 2023, The Rocket said of the youngster: “Stan is going to be good. He has composure and that’s always a sign.
“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.”
And in February 2024 Ronnie compared the whizz-kid to a top player, telling : "Just looks like Shaun Murphy to me but 25 years younger. It’s unbelievable.
"He plays like Shaun Murphy as well, the way he stomps round the table, hits the ball really firm and good. Very confident and, you know, great to see."
How old is Stan Moody?
Stan was born on September 14, 2006.
At the time of writing, the snooker ace is 17 years old.
When is Stan Moody competing in the World Snooker Championship?
The 2024 World Snooker Championship gets underway on Saturday, April 20, with the final on Monday, May 6.
It is being held at the tournament's home since 1977, the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, which is renowned for its tense and unique atmosphere.
In his first appearance in the competition, Stan will take on the world's top players, including defending champion Luca Brecel, for the most coveted title in the sport.
What tournaments has Stan Moody won?
Because of his tender age and lack of time on the tour, unsurprisingly Stan is yet to win a professional tournament.
He secured the biggest win of his career so far at the 2023 World Snooker Federation Junior Championship in Australia.
His victory earned him a place on the professional circuit for the first time.
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Stan also reached the final of the open age category of the event in Sydney, eventually losing out 5-0 to Ma Hai Long in the WSF Championship.
At national level he’s been champion in the under-14 (2019 & 2020), under-16 (2022) and under-18 (2022) categories.