Judd Trump, the world number one, showcased his extraordinary skills by defeating Zhao Xintong 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions tournament held in Leicester. Despite joking about playing at only “10%,” Trump dominated the match, winning six consecutive frames.
Match Overview
Zhao, the reigning world champion, started strong, securing the first two frames with notable breaks of 50 and 72. However, Trump quickly turned the tide, demonstrating resilience and skill.
Key Performance by Judd Trump
- Frame Scores: Trump won six frames in a row after falling behind.
- Breaks: Achieved impressive runs of 68, 73, 77, and 66.
- Final Frame: Sealed his victory with a break of 63.
Trump’s Reflections on His Game
After his win, Trump expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “From 2-0 I felt I controlled the game. I scored heavily and didn’t miss much.” He acknowledged that he is not playing at his peak yet, adding, “I’m probably at about 10%.”
Challenges and Adaptations
This season, Trump has switched from a brass tip to a titanium tip, which has posed difficulties for him. He commented, “I don’t feel comfortable or fluent, I really have to take care over every shot.” Despite these challenges, he emphasized his ability to win even when not performing at his best.
Upcoming Final
Judd Trump, who has triumphed in only one of his last five finals in this tournament, now prepares to face either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson in the final on Sunday. With the goal of claiming his first title since the 2024 UK Championship, Trump is eager to demonstrate his prowess on the table once again.
