Michael Wasley

Wasley enjoyed an astonishing run to the last 16 of the 2014 World Championship – the best of his career to date.

He won four matches in the qualifying rounds, culminating in a 10-9 defeat of Robert Milkins which was sealed on a respotted black in the deciding frame. Even better was to follow for Wasley on his Crucible debut as he came from 6-3 down to beat Ding Junhui, one of the pre-tournament favourites, by a 10-9 scoreline.

“I wouldn’t be playing the sport if I didn’t think I could beat anybody and I felt like I adapted to the Crucible straight away – I could just get down to business and on to the match,” said Wasley. “It’s been amazing, you only dream of playing in places like this and it’s taken a lot of hard work and support from everybody. It’s all coming together now. I’ve got a big taste for it.”

However that was the end of the line as he lost 13-4 to Dominic Dale in the next round.

Wasley earned a place on the pro circuit for the first time by coming through Q School in 2012. He beat Fraser Patrick 4-3 in the last round of the third and final event.

He reached the final of the European Under-19 Championship in 2009.

Wasley was relegated from the pro tour at the end of the 2015/16 season.