Wilson shows his battling quality

The 14-year-old, from Havant, displayed battling qualities to win three of his four matches in the southern qualifier in south London.

Wilson has been working on his matchplay and safety game over the past year and passed the test with flying colours at Frames Sports Bar, Coulsdon.

The teenager bounced back from a 3-1 defeat in his first round-robin match to win his next match 3-2.

But it was his third match that had his World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley purring with delight.

Wilson was trailing by 49 points to Bristol’s Aidan Murphy in a must-win fifth-frame decider and clawed back the deficit to win 3-2.

He then dispatched Londoner Adam Stacey 3-1.

Dunkley said: ‘This is exactly the sort of situation we have been working on.

‘Everyone knows about his phenomenal break-building skills. But if you combine that with a good temperament and intelligent matchplay, you’ve got a dangerous player.’

Wilson, who was runner-up in the national under-14 championship in 2016, added: ‘I kept my cool so I was pleased with myself.’

Meanwhile, back at his home club, Wilson and Zak Truscott are joint top of the Monday Junior Snooker League at Waterlooville Sports Bar with one week remaining.

In the Wednesday League, Callum White knocked in the highest break of 32 against old rival Samuel Laxton – and lost the high-quality frame.

Laxton now leads the table by one point from White and defending champion Dean Russell.

Owen Jenkins won the second group and climbs into division one. Harry Wilson won all of his three matches in the third group to lead division two.

Dunkley runs sessions for under-19s from 4.30pm to 6.30pm every Monday and Wednesday.