Fresh-faced snooker star, 17, branded ‘Shaun Murphy but 25 years younger’ denied World Championship spot

SNOOKER wonderkid Stan Moody has failed to qualify for the World Championship.

The 17-year-old has already drawn plaudits from the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan during his young career.

Fans in Sheffield would have been intrigued to see the Halifax-born starlet at The Crucible, after he earned a two-year tour card by winning last year's World Junior Championship.

But they will have to wait another year, after Moody lost to Mohammed Shehab in qualifying.

In a generational battle, Moody took on the Emirati, 30 years his senior.

The British rising star led Shehab 6-5 after 11 frames.

But his game subsequently collapsed, with Shehab winning five consecutive frames to take it 10-6.

Despite his setback, Moody is still set for a bright future.

In February, O'Sullivan raved about the youngster's ability while chatting to , even likening him to a snooker legend.

The Rocket said: "He just looks like Shaun Murphy to me but 25 years younger, it’s unbelievable! He plays like Shaun Murphy too.

"The way he stomps around the table and hits the ball really firm.

"He’s very confident and yeah, great to see."

After hearing Moody's positivity despite his defeat to experienced pro Dominic Dale at the Welsh Open, The Rocket continued: "It is great to hear him like that.

"And I want to hear him speak like that in another 10 years once he’s had a few tough matches, a few tough tournaments and realises how tough this game is.

"To see him so young, coming here and enjoying his snooker, you can see he really just loves the game and has an amazing temperament for it.

"You can imagine if he did find it hard he’d still find enjoyment in the game, you just get that impression.”