Oldham snooker ace holds nerve for England

BACK FROM THE BRINK: Michael Wild displayed a never-say-die spirit.

SNOOKER:

MOORSIDE snooker star Michael Wild led England to European Team Championship glory in Bulgaria.

The 31-year-old won the deciding frame against number one seeds Israel 1 in front of an enthralled audience in Sofia.

After his team-mate Robbie Williams (Wirral) had won his match 4-1 and Steve Judd (Nottingham) had lost 4-0, the final hinged on Wild’s encounter against Roey Fernandez in which he trailed 2-0 and 3-2.

Things looked bleak when he was 27 behind on the colours, but Wild cleared them before potting a long respotted black to make it 3-3 and set up a thrilling finale.

Oldham’s leading player quickly established a firm grip with breaks of over 40 and 30 to clinch victory for England.

The three England players won 1,200 Euros and the prestigious trophy.

Said Wild: “It was a great week and the atmosphere for the televised final was unbelievable.”



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