Wild joins elite after European glory

I’M COMING TO GET YOU: Michael Wild will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of new world champion Stuart Bingham. Picture by Vincent Brown.

SNOOKER: OLDHAM will have its own representative on next season’s professional snooker tour.

Moorside potting machine Michael Wild’s victory in the European Open in Prague has guaranteed him a place among snooker’s elite for the next two years.

At 34, Wild achieved the most significant victory of his career. His passport to a place alongside the likes of new world champion Stuart Bingham, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and many other stars will greatly enhance his chance to make his name on the biggest stage.

Next spring he will need just three qualifying-round victories to book a place in the World Championship finals at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Wild was one of 108 players who took part in the week-long European Open at one of Prague’s most luxurious hotels. He came through his five-match group stage without problems, but his task became progressively tougher throughout the 64-man knock-out stages.

Cheered on by girlfriend Emma, Wild was in danger of going out in the last 16 when he trailed 3-0 and 4-2 to Polish opponent Mateusz Baranowski, before grinding out a 5-4 success.

He also came close to a maximum 147 and a new snooker table during the knock-out stages, sinking 13 blacks and reds before missing a red with the rest.

After reaching the semi-finals Wild beat 18-year-old German sensation Lukas Kluckers 6-3.

Wild’s opponent in the final was Jamie Clarke of Wales who, in his quarter-final victory, had made three century breaks and one of over 90.

But it was Wild who settled better with the big prize at stake, controlling the final and registering a 7-4 victory.

Wild, who has been invited back to Prague in November for an exhibition match against Bingham, said: “I was feeling quite relaxed going into the tournament, as I knew I was playing well and had lots of practice under my belt. There were a few people who had written me off and I was determined to prove them wrong.

“I was a bit nervous going into the final, but now I have got on the pro tour it will make my life so much easier.”