Amateur Cahill to play at Crucible

James Cahill has become the first amateur to qualify for the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield.

The 23-year-old came through qualifying with a 10-6 win over Michael Judge to book his place in the first-round draw, which will take place today.

Cahill will prove no pushover at the Crucible having claimed a famous win over then world number one Mark Selby in the first round of the UK Championships back in November.

Cahill told worldsnooker. com: “Playing at the Crucible is what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid so to come through that match is a massive stepping-stone.

“I’ve relished playing against the big names and on the big occasions in the past so hopefully that’ll stand me in good stead.”