Fresh-faced snooker prodigy, 17, branded ‘Shaun Murphy but 25 years younger’ after incredible Welsh Open run

STAN MOODY has been branded “Shaun Murphy but 25 years younger” after his run at the Welsh Open.

The snooker prodigy, 17, caught the eye in Llandudno this week as he reached the last 32.

Eurosport

Snooker prodigy Stan Moody has been compared to a former world champion[/caption]

Moody is ‘Shaun Murphy’ but 25 years younger according to Ronnie O’SullivanRex

Ahead of his defeat to Dominic Dale on Thursday, the fresh-faced teenager was hailed by legend Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The Rocket even compared Moody to former world champion Shaun Murphy with his assessment of the youngster.

O’Sullivan told Eurosport: “Just looks like Shaun Murphy to me but 25 years younger. It’s unbelievable.

“He plays like Shaun Murphy as well, the way he stomps round the table, hits the ball really firm and good. Very confident and, you know, great to see.”

Moody had earlier in the week beaten Jordan Brown 4-3 in the last 64 of the Welsh Open.

The tournament began on Monday and runs through until Sunday’s final.

However, Moody was unable to extend his run, losing 4-1 to world number 49 Dale on Thursday.

Speaking before his exit from the tournament, he explained: “I’m playing well at the minute. It’s very hard on tour to get results but I think I’m slowly but surely getting there.”

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The Action has caught the eye since turning professional last year after becoming world junior champion.

Moody is now ranked 112th in the world and only celebrated his 17th birthday in September.

His performance at the Welsh Open follows a run to the last 16 at the Northern Ireland Open back in October.

Wins over Rod Lawler and 13th seed Gary Wilson saw the teenager scoop £7,500 in prize money in Belfast.