Our very own Stan Moody has done it! In beating Jiang Jun 10-9 at snooker’s Judgement Day, he earned his ticket to complete his Crucible dream and play on the main stage of the 2026 Snooker World Championship! His win at the qualifiers marks the first debut from a British teenager at the legendary venue since Judd Trump all the way back in 2007. After big wins over all-time great John Higgins, as well as other elite players like Kyren Wilson, Barry Hawkins, and Ding Junhui, Stan’s maiden Crucible campaign is a perfect bookend to what has been the best season of his career so far. We cannot wait to see the heights he can reach in Sheffield!
Stan’s Journey to the Cruci![]()
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Stan began his campaign in round 3 of the World Championship Qualifiers by playing seasoned professional Robbie Williams. Stan got out of the gates strongly, knocking in a century break to open the match, followed by another brilliant break of 73. He would end the first session 6-3 ahead through efficient scoring and intelligent match play, a strong advantage going into the evening session. He made the most of this advantage, outlasting whatever Williams could throw at him to emerge victorious by a score of 10-5. With 6 breaks of 50 or more, 2 of which being centuries, Stan was now one step closer to qualification.
It was Chinese professional Jiang Jun that stood in his way. After a strong 10-8 win over Elliot Slessor, Jiang posed a serious threat to Moody’s qualification chances – and the scoreline would go on to show this. The first session was a tight affair, ending with a score of 5-4 in Moody’s favour. The second session carried this on, with Stan and Jiang trading frames until the match reached a climactic deciding frame. 9-9, one frame to make someone’s dreams come true. Jiang potted the first red; however, the pressure was too much and he missed a cut on the yellow. With reds in the open, this was Stan’s chance, and it was a chance that he took with both hands – he walked over to the table to start his visit, keeping icy cool to knock in a 104 break and win the match 10-9, securing his Crucible debut.
Illness? No problem!
Stan spoke candidly with Rob Walker after his win – “I don’t really know what to say, to be honest. I was in hospital yesterday, I can hardly talk now.”
Doctors recommended that Stan miss his Judgement Day match as he was in for a case of tonsillitis; however, Stan was adamant that this would not happen – “They said ‘we know you’re going to say no, but we want you to stay in’ and I said ‘no, I’ve got a match tomorrow’.” Evidently, Stan has seen not only the fruits of this decision, but also his hard work throughout his career. His decision to carry on playing reflects his commitment and unrelenting dedication to Snooker, a trait that is important to us here at Cue+Case.
“I forgot everything and just played”
We caught up with Stan towards the end of last year, and his comments embodied the attitude that has now taken him to the Crucible. He was candid in admitting that he’s “been through it – not enjoying it, wanting to win too much,” as well as questioning his own technique; however, he has still managed to push through with pure dedication and love for snooker, and this love of the game is evident when you watch him play.
Stan, by his own admission, is a player who is always learning and adapting to whatever situation he is faced with on the table, and that is something we have admired throughout his journey on the professional circuit. One thing he has adapted to especially well is expectation – “I was one of the top juniors coming off the amateur circuit onto the pro tour, so people expected me to do well.” He later revealed that he “forgot everything and just played, which is very hard to do when people expect you to win and do well,” which is the embodiment of his mature attitude towards the game – his game has evolved from not just fearless, but to fearless with cool, calm composure, a trait which has contributed to him being touted as “an amazing talent” by none other than Ronnie O’Sullivan.
After his win over Jiang Jun, Stan remarked that “I’ve never felt pressure like that before in my life, I’m just so happy,” which is the clearest indication of what it means to him. The Crucible is the pinnacle of snooker, and to have a spot there at such a young age is a fantastic achievement, reflective of his drive and passion to play and to win. Stan’s refusal to let his tonsillitis get in the way of his Crucible dream has inspired everyone here at Cue+Case, and we hope you will join us in getting behind Stan every step of the way at the World Championship!
