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Teen Snooker Star Stan Moody Qualifies for Worlds After Hospital Discharge

British teenager Stan Moody has qualified for the World Snooker Championship for the first time, achieving this feat just a day after discharging himself from hospital where he was being treated for tonsillitis. He secured his place at the Crucible with a dramatic 10-9 victory over China's Jiang Jun, clinching the decider with a superb century break of 104. Moody's triumph makes him the first British teenager to reach the tournament's main stage since Judd Trump in 2007. He was joined by first-time qualifiers Antoni Kowalski and Liam Pullen, who also won their final qualifying matches.

Key Points: Stan Moody Qualifies for World Snooker Championship After Illness

  • Qualified day after hospital discharge
  • Beat Jiang Jun 10-9 in decider
  • First British teen at Crucible since 2007
  • Made century breaks under pressure
  • Secured place with 104 in final frame
2 min read

A day after discharging from hospital, Stan Moody, 19, qualified for World Snooker Championships

19-year-old Stan Moody qualifies for the World Snooker Championship a day after leaving hospital with tonsillitis, beating Jiang Jun 10-9.

"I've got a match to play. And I'm glad I did. - Stan Moody"

New Delhi, April 15

The 19-year-old British player Stan Moody has qualified for the World Snooker Championships for the first time after beating China's Jiang Jun, a day after discharging himself from hospital with tonsillitis.

Moody, long touted as a star of the future, will be the first British teenager to play at the Crucible since Judd Trump in 2007.

He made a fantastic century in the last frame to beat Jiang Jun 10-9. From 6-5 down, world number 44 Moody fired runs of 71, 70, 113 and 127 to go 9-8 ahead, then missed match-winning chances in frame 18, but made amends with a superb 104 in the decider.

His victory was all the more remarkable given that he was in hospital with tonsilitis last night, but discharged himself and played through the discomfort to book his place on the biggest stage.

"The doctors said to me 'we know you are going to say no but we want you to stay in.' I said no, I've got a match to play. And I'm glad I did. They gave me some antibiotics and other medication. I won't be going back there, I don't like it!" Moody was quoted by World Snooker. "Towards the end of the match, I have never felt pressure like that in my life, I am just so happy. This has been a dream of mine since I started playing," he added.

Besides Moosy, Antoni Kowalski, Liam Pullen also made it to the Crucible for the first time with outstanding victories in the final qualifying round of the World Championship. The trio head for the Theatre of Dreams in Sheffield for the televised stages, which start on Saturday.

Kowalski came through the biggest match of his life, beating Jamie Jones 10-8, becoming the first Polish player to make it to the Crucible. The result also secured his place on the tour.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Pullen enjoyed a 10-8 success against Noppon Saengkham with top breaks of 131 and 105.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is inspiring for young athletes everywhere. But I do hope he takes proper rest now. Health should not be compromised, even for a dream. The doctors were right to advise him to stay.
R
Rohit P
Snooker doesn't get enough coverage here, but stories like this are amazing. First Polish player too! Great to see new talent breaking through on the world stage.
S
Sarah B
"I've got a match to play." What a line! That's the mindset of a winner. Pressure makes diamonds, and he certainly proved it. Hope he recovers fully before the main event.
V
Vikram M
As a sports fan, this is the kind of grit we love to see. Reminds me of our own athletes playing through injuries for the nation. All the best to Stan and the other qualifiers!
N
Nikhil C
Fantastic achievement, but discharging yourself against medical advice sets a risky example for young fans. Talent and passion are one thing, responsible behavior is another. Hope the snooker bodies have proper health protocols.

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