Snooker star Gary Wilson used to being in spotlight having appeared on Big Break as a child

GARY WILSON will not be fazed by the semi-final spotlight — having starred on Big Break aged nine.

The former factory worker and cabbie yesterday beat Ali Carter 13-9 to reach the last four of the World Championship.

It will be qualifier Wilson’s biggest TV appearance since he went on the BBC show’s Stars of the Future series in 1995.

The Geordie, 33, smiled: “That obviously set me up well for the future! I was only nine years old and my feet were swinging off the chair.

“On my first appearance, I got through the first round and then got beaten in the Pocket Money round.

“I was on again in 1997 and 1998 but always went out at the same stage.”

Big Break was co-hosted by John Virgo, now commentating at the Crucible.

And 1979 world semi-finalist Virgo said: “I remember Gary on the show.

I was only nine years old and my feet were swinging off the chair.

“You expect really young lads like that to be really nervous but he wasn’t — and he didn’t look out of place.

“He was full of confidence and what has impressed me at the Crucible this year is that same quiet confidence.”

Wilson also won exhibition frames against Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan aged 12.

But after turning pro, he dropped off the circuit in 2006 and worked in a factory.

Wilson has earned £100,000 for reaching the semi-final.

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And he added: “I suppose it’s a life-changing amount of money but I try not to think about that.

“I remember struggling for money. I was desperate to get back on the tour and just scrape a living. So to go from that point to where I am now is absolutely amazing.

“I’m delighted to be in the one-table set-up. It’s what you dream of.”


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