Teenager Stan Moody has been widely tipped as a “star of the future” as he continues to impress snooker’s top stars.
The 18-year-old currently sits 69th in the world rankings – but has claimed many admirers since turning professional in 2023.
Moody has yet to make the latter stages of a professional ranking tournament. But deciding frame losses to two of the world’s top 10 in Mark Allen & Zhang Anda this season exemplify his potential.
Having played more than 30 matches this season, he currently sits on a win rate of around 60 per cent.
In his first two appearances at the Northern Ireland Open, Moody beat three-time ranking event winner Gary Wilson, World Championship runner-up Jak Jones and experienced campaigner Ryan Day.
Moody pushed former Masters winner Allen all the way in the recent Welsh Open before losing a final frame decider.
Allen was full of praise for the teenager afterwards. He said: “Like I said to him at the end, I thought he was better than me tonight and deserved to win. If he keeps playing like that, he’ll have a good future.”
Stan Moody – a future star?
Stephen Hendry and Shaun Murphy are among the many big names who have waxed lyrical about Stan Moody’s snooker future.
Murphy is quoted as saying: “Stan has all the ability in the world. And on that ability alone he could be a top player in the game.
“He is one of the quickest learners I have seen. If you are good enough, you are old enough.”
And Murphy’s broadcast partner on the OneFourSeven podcast, Phil Seymour, was in full agreement.
He took to Facebook following the youngsters’ narrow defeat to Allen. He posted in a snooker group: “Stan Moody is having one hell of a season all told. Tonight, he ultimately lost, but he took one of the best in the world to a deciding frame, and looked like winning it for long periods.
“Hopefully he retains his tour card via the one year list, he’s great for the future of the sport in my opinion.”
Many fans agreed with the popular MC’s view. One said “Totally agree, definitely one to watch out for.” And another wrote “Yes brilliant talent”.
