Stan Moody is rocking a new look and seemingly top form again at the British Open, as the blonde bombshell exploded onto the scene in Cheltenham.
The 19-year-old downed Yao Pengcheng 4-1 on Wednesday morning with breaks of 62, 65 and 117 along the way, after Yao had started the match with a 106.
After an encouraging end to last season at the Crucible, it was a slow start to this campaign at the qualifiers in Leicester, but the form is returning.
It comes with a new look as Moody is sporting a Gazza ’96 or an Eminem in Cheltenham this week, although that wasn’t always the plan.
‘Basically it was too long and I didn’t know what to do with it so I just said to buzz it off and it looked terrible,’ he told Metro. ‘I thought it can’t get any worse so I’ll dye it. That’s where I’m at.’
On comparisons thrown his way in the players’ room, he said: ‘I’ve had a lot of Slim Shady.’
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More importantly the Yorkshire teenager was looking great on the table and expects more good stuff to come.
Will the real Stan Moody please stand up? 👱♂️#BritishOpen pic.twitter.com/tZoEscleuq
— WST (@WeAreWST) September 2, 2026
‘I played well, started playing well towards this part of the season, didn’t start great, but I’m happy,’ he said.
‘I had a bit too much time off after the Worlds, but you learn and I’ll improve from that.
‘I’m cueing well, my game’s there, my practice game’s there and I know I can take that to the match table, so we’ll see what happens.’
The man known as The Action reached his first two ranking quarter-finals last season and is hoping to go further than that this campaign, but is also taking the pressure off himself.
‘I want to win, but it’s just about enjoying it, playing in front of the crowds and learning,’ he said. ‘I’m still young, still 19, so it’s just about learning and enjoying it.’
Leaning to play under pressure in front of big crowds is always a learning curve for young players, but one that he is relishing the chance to do.
After a summer of qualifiers and Championship League behind-closed-doors at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, being at main venues is a far superior experience.
‘Yeah it’s a bit boring in Leicester, I’m not going to lie to you,’ he said. ‘No crowds, but it is what it is, you’ve got to get through them matches and get to the good venues.
‘I love [playing in] China, I love playing out there, the fans are great, the tournaments are good so it were a shame to miss them. Hopefully I can get to the next one and do some damage.’
It has been a good week in Cheltenham so far for exciting young British talents after 20-year-old Liam Davies downed Barry Hawkins on Tuesday.
The Welshman dropped off tour earlier this year but bounced straight back on and has already beaten the likes of Ding Junhui, Gary Wilson and now Hawkins.
‘Liam was great as a junior,’ said Moody. ‘I think he struggled his first two years but it’s very, very difficult, so he’s improved and learning, like all us young players. He’s doing well.’
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