Daniel Dreams Of Crucible Glory

Snooker sensation Daniel Wells is just one match away from securing a dream debut at the Crucible after winning three qualifying games at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EIS Sheffield)

Sheffield-trained Daniel, a resident player at the city’s World Snooker Academy, which is based inside EIS Sheffield, has set up a crunch tie against Barry Hawkins after 10-9 wins against Li Hang, Ian Preece and Marcus Campbell.

Victory on Tuesday, March 10 will ensure a place for Daniel at the final stages of the World Championship at the Crucible from April 18 to May 4.
The 20-year-old is originally from Wales but is based in Sheffield and lives in Brinsworth, Rotherham. Daniel was the first player to be awarded the Paul Hunter Scholarship in 2007, giving him the chance to train and develop in the World Snooker Academy at EIS Sheffield alongside top professional players.

Daniel said: “It is amazing to be within touching distance of the Crucible. It is the ultimate dream for any professional player. All three qualifying games have finished 10-9 so they have been really tight, which has been quite mentally draining but playing on home soil has given me a real edge.

“The first match was against another EIS Sheffield resident player, Li Hang, so we were both familiar with the surroundings, but home advantage definitely played a part later in the qualifiers.

“I have worked really hard over the last 18 months to reach this point, and a Crucible place would be the icing on the cake. It has the perfect move for me coming to EIS Sheffield and the Academy has played a massive part in my development. Sheffield is the best place for a professional to train and hopefully I can stay here forever.”

The EIS Sheffield World Snooker Academy, which opened at the venue in 2006, provides training facilities for new and existing talent and acts as a centre of excellence for grassroots snooker. It is home to resident players Ding Junhui, Peter Ebdon and James Wattana.

Paul Hudson, general manager of EIS Sheffield, which is managed by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), said: “Daniel has performed brilliantly in the qualifiers so far and everyone at EIS Sheffield is really proud of his achievements. We wish him the best of luck for his final match and hope he can go one better on Tuesday and secure that Crucible place.”