Wild gets nod for England

Michael Wild — England duty

SNOOKER: TWO years after last appearing for his country, local snooker ace Michael Wild is back on England duty.

The 30-year-old, from Moorside, is in the six-man England team for the Home International tournament at Pontins in Prestatyn, starting on September 9.

Wild’s selection is reward for an excellent season, which saw him come agonisingly close to regaining a place on the professional circuit.

Needing to win five matches at the Q School, he recorded four straight victories — former top 16 player Mike Hallett was one of his victims — before he slipped to a 4-3 defeat against Snooker Northern Ireland’s David Morris in the final.

“I lost on the pink,” reflected Wild. “I was gutted and left snooker alone for a bit.”

But Wild is determined to have another crack at joining the pro ranks.

He is preparing for the Players’ Tour Championship, which includes an event in Nuremberg, Germany, next month.

Other members of the England team are Leo Fernandez, Martin O’Donnell, David Portman, Brian Cox, Adam Ingram and Darren Cook.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Wild can call him (0161) 3453742.