Wild closing in on top events

SNOOKER:  

MOORSIDE’S Michael Wild has taken a giant stride to secure a place in two major international tournaments.

The local potting machine travelled to Newbury for the fifth of six English Snooker and Billiards events designed to identify players to represent the country in the European and World Opens.

Wild (33) is at the top of the England rankings after reaching the final of the tournament.

He needs to finish in the first three to qualify for the two showpiece events. Victory in either would win him a place on next year’s professional tour.

Despite a break of 109 in the final in Newbury, Wild lost 5-2 to Saqib Nasir after being level at the interval.

Earlier in the two-day competition, Wild had beaten Jonathan Baddeley 4-0, Louis Heathcote 4-3, after being 3-1 behind, and Billy Castle 4-2.

His semi-final opponent was Callum Downing, whom he dispatched 4-2 with a 103 break for good measure.

Wild is in action in next Wednesday’s Manchester Open semi-finals at the Moor Club in Stockport.

He takes on Danny Thomas over the best of nine frames.