Jamie Wilson enjoys professional debut

JAMIE Wilson enjoyed every second of his first two events on the professional circuit.

The 16-year-old from Havant stunned world number five Mark Allen with a 2-2 draw in the BetVictor Championship League.

And he collected the first prize money of his career.

Live television viewers saw a teenager at ease with himself and his surroundings at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes.

Back at his home club, Waterlooville Sports Bar, Wilson reflected on his opening matches on the World Snooker Tour.

“It was amazing,” said the Cuestars Gold Tour player. “The first tournament was just about getting used to the pro environment. And I came back stronger in the second.

“Against Mark Allen, it was so great, seeing him sitting opposite me in his chair.

“I felt really comfortable and confident out there. I was enjoying every second of it. It was just good fun.”

Wilson, who qualified for the professional circuit through Q School, won the first frame of a 5-1 defeat by Germany’s Simon Lichtenberg in the opening round of the European Masters.

He then drew 2-2 with Allen, lost 3-0 to China’s Luo Honghao and pocketed £1,000 prize money for finishing third in the round-robin group following a 2-2 draw against Billy Castle in the Championship League.

Wilson admitted the prize money came as a bit of a shock.

“I thought it would take at least a few events,” he explained. “To get a grand in my second event is a good start. It gives me a lot more confidence for my next event.”

Between matches, Wilson had a chat in the players’ lounge with Thailand professional Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who is often regarded as the fastest player on the circuit – or he was until now!

Wilson uses a G-Cue supplied by his sponsor, Havant-based cue-maker Gavin Mengham.

Next up for the rookie is world number 27 Matthew Selt in the English Open next Tuesday.

Picture by Matt Huart (WPBSA)