Have cue, will travel

TOUGH SCHEDULE for Oldham pro Michael Wild.

MOORSIDE snooker ace Michael Wild faces a hectic month as he attempts to end his first year back as a professional with a flourish.

A qualifier for the China Open beckons next week, and if the 34 year old can win that match he will go through to the finals in Beijing at the end of March.

Shortly after the China qualifier comes the BetVictor Welsh Open in Cardiff. Traditionally a useful form guide for the World Championships in Sheffield, the players - Wild included - will be looking to hone their cueing actions with the Crucible Theatre in mind.

At the completion of that competition, Wild flies out to Prague for an exhibition match against Stuart Bingham. Wild won the European Championship in the Czech Republic city last summer and was invited back to take on the current world professional champion.

On his return, Wild will get on another plane to take part in the Gydia Open in Poland.

“The season is coming to a conclusion, but it’s a busy time,” admitted Wild, who is spending plenty of hours on the practice table.