Wishaw’s latest snooker sensation took on the town’s greatest potter at a star-studded event in Motherwell.
St Aidan’s High pupil Sam McKay, who is currently Scotland’s under-14 and under-16 champion, has long idolised the Wizard of Wishaw John Higgins as he makes a name for himself on the green baize.
And the 14-year-old was over the moon to be able to test his skills against the four-time world champion at an exhibition event held at TJ’s Sports Bar and Pool Hall in Motherwell on Saturday night.
Despite losing his frame against the legendary player, Sam’s dad Donald is sure he will use the lessons he learned from Higgins to push him on to the top level.
Donald said: “Sam took on John and it was an amazing experience for him.
“Sam has long looked up to John for everything he has done in the sport.
“Sam broke off and got a really good safety out of it, but John potted a red out of nowhere and got in and made a good break.
“Sam got a couple of pots in, but John was on fire, doing full length doubles, the lot.
“It was quite surreal to see them both playing together and a frame that I’m sure Sam will never forget.”
The exhibition was held to give local snooker fans a chance to see Higgins and Scotland teammate Stephen Maguire in action, after they lifted the World Cup last month.
Higgins has won the World Cup twice now, and Sam is desperate to follow in his patriotic footsteps and lead his country to glory too.
He is currently Scotland’s under-16 captain, despite having only just turned 14, and Donald said that Higgins has offered Sam support as he continues to chase his dream of becoming a professional player on the men’s tour.
He added: “Sam really enjoyed the moment.
“We had a chat afterwards and he said he’d heard a lot of good things about Sam from various sources and promised to arrange some more time when his schedule could fit it in.
“He even gave us his number to arrange a few games later in the year once the season has started.”
Sam is coached at the Masters Club in Wishaw by Jim Donnelly, and competes regularly at the Red Triangle in Cumbernauld.
After completing a historic under-14 and under-16 double at the end of another trophy-laden season, Sam is now well placed to follow in Higgins’ illustrious footsteps.
