By Elliott West
Introduction
Only 17 years old, a triumphant Jamie Wilson left the Shootout stage in Milton Keynes after an emphatic victory against Germany’s Lukas Kleckers. This is probably the first many snooker fans have seen this talented teenager play but his television appearance certainly didn’t disappoint and social media was a wave of activity with complimentary feedback after his match.
Career
Jamie Wilson first picked up a snooker cue at just six years old and by the age of seven was competing in the junior section at Copnor Snooker Club and joined Chandlers Ford Snooker Club. A year later, Wilson won the Eastleigh and District Under-13 Premier title. Since then, Jamie has been based at the Waterloovile Sports Bar that his Mum and Dad opened in 2016.
A rapid rise to success ensued with Wilson thanks to a Q School entry. Becoming the youngest player since Billy Joe Castle to qualify through the school, Jamie earned his place on the World Tour via the third and final Q School event at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. As a Cuestars Gold member, he earned a two year tour card and fulfilled a ten year dream.
This fantastic achievement was due to a great run at the Q School where Wilson won six consecutive matches. This included in his first match where he sent Michael Georgiou packing, relegating him from the tour as a result through his 3-2 win against him. Thanks to this great victory, Jamie brimmed with confidence and went on to beat James Burrett 3-0, Luke Simmonds 4-2, Dave Finbow 4-3, Fang Xiongman 4-3 and Haydon Pinhey 4-3. His match against Dave Finbow went to the final black and four of the matches ended with a deciding frame.
This youthful talent paid half of his £1,000 entry fee to Q School from prize money he had earned from playing snooker and pool over the year. A player whose motto is “practice, practice and more practice”, still believes that his future is at the top of the sport. The current world 124 is still chasing his first title as a professional but had some great form in last year’s Scottish Open, beating Mark Allen before losing to Martin O’Donnell 4-2.
Jamie is a player who believes in trying to emulate the same professional playing conditions at home and practices on a Star table at his club, the Waterlooville Sports Club. Although he was not able to bring home the results in his first season as a professional, like any true sportsman, Wilson keeps the faith that he will achieve. Losses at the Champion of Champions, UK Championship, English and Northern Ireland Opens, have not dented his metal and as I have mentioned earlier, his first appearance at the Snooker Shootout should give him plenty of encouragement to progress further despite losing to Craig Steadman in his second match.
Summary
Jamie Wilson is a new kid on the block but clearly one that has potential for a bright future. I rarely tip a player for great things but from what I have seen of this young player, I have to give him a ringing endorsement. Wilson plays a very mature game for his age and scores heavily when he gets a chance. Rather like Yan Bingtao, he is not afraid or phased by his opponent and can produce crafted safety play when the situation arises. Certainly a player to watch out for in the near future!
