Wild runs Crucible hero to the wire

Michael Wild - narrowly beaten by world champion

LOCAL snooker followers were out in force for a glimpse of Stuart Bingham, the reigning world champion as he took on Moorside’s Michael Wild in an exhibition match in Prague.

“About 700 people turned up to watch and there were 50 breaks in nearly every frame,” said Wild , who lost 4-3. “Stuart and I spent 40 minutes signing autographs.”

The previous occasion the two players met was in the last 16 of the Dutch Open in 2005, when Wild won 4-1.

Wild is now preparing for a crack at qualification for the World Championships in Sheffield.

He has to win three matches to reach the famous Crucible venue later next month.