Ranked 44th in the world, Moody took the first frame in under eight minutes with an 84 break as Wilson failed to get a point on the board. But despite racing into the lead twice, the teenager was denied a memorable victory as Wilson fought back, winning seven frames in a row.
And a gutted Moody admitted: “I just lost too many bad frames. I had the match won at 7-3 and then missed a red to go 8-3. I’m gutted. I felt comfortable out there, but bad frames hurt me.”
“I’ll go away and practise and come back stronger. It’s a good experience. I’ll just try to learn what shots to play at the right time and try to miss less balls.”
While a relieved Wilson said: “I just really dug in. Really dug in. I knew I was struggling and couldn’t win frames in one visit like I normally would.
“I had lot of cue issues, a lot of tip issues. I changed my tip for this evening’s session. I just hate my cue – absolutely hate my cue! It’s too flexible at the top.
“I’ve got no control and no feel in my hand. I’m just fighting all the time. I’m changing cue after this tournament and have a sponsor who are kindly making me a few new cues so that’s in the back of my mind.”
With Moody clearly struggling in the second-session and 9-7 behind, pundit Joe Perry, sitting in the studio, admitted: “It’s not nice to see now.”
While fellow BBC pundit and 1997 world champion Ken Doherty praised the teenager, saying: “Some of the pots Stan Moody takes on are impressive. He’s not shirking the big shots. He’s continued to be positive.
“What I love about him is his first time here and he’s embraced it. There’s been no nerves and he looks like he’s loving every moment.”
While the victory is also a boost for the 2024 champion, who, ahead of the tournament getting underway, named himself as one of the possible winners of this year’s competition.
“I think I’m right in there in the mix myself,” the 2024 champion said of contenders for the title this year. ‘I think [Zhao] Xintong, the way he’s been playing.
“He’s right up there. He’s won four tournaments. He’s been a fantastic world champion. I think Ronnie’s going to be gunning for it.
“He’s been practising very, very hard in China. Looked good in China. Making that history, the 153 break [at the World Open].
“Judd Trump’s been very consistent. But also 11 Chinese players. So you wouldn’t put it past a Chinese winner again, would you?”