• World Championship

Snooker star was Fred West's neighbour

ESPN staff
April 23, 2014
Michael Wasley pulled off a shock victory on his World Championship debut © Getty Images
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Michael Wasley, who caused the biggest upset at the World Championship on Monday, has revealed he and his family lived in the same street as serial killer Fred West.

Wasley knocked out world No.2 Ding Junhui 10-9 on his Crucible debut and says moving away from Cromwell Street in Gloucester has helped his family as well as his career.

"We were at No.16, he had lived at No.25," Wasley told The Sun.

"No one had a clue what was going on and it still sends shivers down the spine for those who were there.

"We sold the house, which also clearly held a lot of memories with my dad having died from cancer, when I was 10. It was a big step.

"The move has helped all of us including my mum and it's been a very positive step and brought the whole family closer together."

Wasley, 24, who came from 6-3 and 9-8 behind to beat Ding, says snooker has helped keep his mind off his family tragedy.

"Reality was destroying me and snooker was an escape from the bad things," he said. "Losing my dad was a massive strain on the whole family. My mum took the time to drive me around the country and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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