Teenage sensation almost becomes youngest match winner at Snooker World Championship since Ronnie O'Sullivan

The first round of the Snooker World Championship has seen one young man's name be on everyone's lips: Stan Moody. Just 19 years of age, Moody set the Crucible alight with a storming first session, taking a comprehensive 7-3 lead over the experienced star name of Kyren Wilson.

Being the first to do something in the snooker world since Ronnie O'Sullivan is always a sign that you're doing something right, and Moody was about to do just that, becoming the youngest match winner at the Crucible since "The Rocket" in 1995. However, this was no spring chicken he had to close out the game against, but the 2024 World Champion.

Moody stormed out of the gates, showcasing his flamboyant potting and break-building skills in the first session to have a 4-frame lead. However, the second session saw Wilson rally back, leaving Moody to rue his few chances to take crucial 8-3 and 8-6 leads.

- I'm gutted, I lost a lot of bad frames. I had the match almost won and in my hands at 7-3, but then everything changed. It felt good to play, and despite everything this was an amazing experience that I need to learn from, Moody told WST after his defeat.

Wilson truly proved his mettle, clawing back a bunch of frames that looked almost lost. Eventually experience started to prevail properly, and he took 7 consecutive frames to take a 10-7 victory.

Another victim of the "Crucible curse" in 2025, Wilson was in no mood to get knocked out in the first round again. The 10-9 defeat to Lei Peifan still stings him, and there was both relief and pride in his words following this victory.

- The game was really tough, at 7-3 I really had to dig deep. I wasn't playing well, but managed to make some crucial clearances in tight spots and I just kept doing the right things. I new once we got to the end my experience would count for a lot, Wilson commented after the match.

- Stan is a really good example for the younger generation, my children are often rooting for him. He was very convincing in the morning session, and I'm sure he'll learn from this. This won't be the last time we hear of Stan Moody, and the important frames I stole must have sapped him of some energy, Wilson added.

Next up for the 2024 Champ is a 2nd round clash with Mark Allen. You can enjoy the crucial 14th frame highlights from Moody's Crucible debut via the video below.



All of the seeded players continue to take victories in their first round bouts. The Snooker World Championship 2026 continues on Tuesday with more 1st round affairs.

Below you can find all of the 1st round schedule, scores and results.






Source: WST