Snooker teenager Stan Moody struggled to control his frustrations at the Scottish Open. The 19-year-old has been tipped as a future star on the baize after quickly establishing himself in the top 50.
Moody was pitted against World No. 28 Joe O’Connor in the first round. Both snooker stars were irresistible at times, but it was O’Connor who edged out the youngster from Halifax. A key moment in the contest came in the fifth frame, when the two players were tied 2-2. Moody looked to be in control having amassed 33, with the reds in presentable positions across the table.
However, Moody missed a routine shot on the black to give O’Connor the table and the initiative. It was evident Moody knew he had possibly thrown away a vital frame, as he lifted his arms and cue up in the air in frustration.
After watching the black ricochet against both corners of the pocket, he also thudded his cue against the table, an act which can land a player in trouble with the snooker authorities. However, the prospect of him being sanctioned for his behaviour is understood to be unlikely.
Not that it would be much of a consolation for Moody, who watched O’Connor take the victory with runs of 127 and 90, cancelling out the youngster’s lead in the process. Considering Moody is only 19, it’s a result which will be put down as an early lesson for him.
He already has an impressive collection of snooker scalps, having recorded victories against Ding Junhui, Kyren Wilson, Barry Hawkins, Ryan Day, Zhou Yuelong (twice) and Ali Carter (twice).
Snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan has already labelled the 19-year-old as a future star in the making in the sport. He said: “I’m excited for Stan Moody.
« I think he’s an amazing talent. I watched him play and I thought, ‘Yeah, this kid can play.’ I always thought he could play but he’s shown now that the breakthrough’s not far away.”
Moody also has some lofty ambitions he wants to achieve within the next couple of years. He recently told the World Snooker Tour: “I’ve got a long way to go to be a Luke Littler of snooker, but I’m on my way. I want to be top 32 by the end of the season, go deeper in tournaments. I’m doing alright.” O’Connor next faces World Snooker Championship winner Zhao Xintong in the next round.
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