Snooker’s world number one Judd Trump produced a sensational comeback to reach the semi-finals of the Masters, reeling off five frames in a row to beat China’s Ding Junhui 6-3 in a high-quality encounter at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Slow Start, Spectacular Finish for Trump
Trump, aiming for a second Masters crown to add to his 2019 triumph, looked in trouble early on as Ding raced into a 2-0 lead with back-to-back breaks of 70 and 74. The Englishman got on the scoreboard by punishing a missed long red from his opponent in frame three, compiling a run of 75.
But 37-year-old Ding restored his two-frame cushion going into the mid-session interval, clearing with 72 after Trump broke down on 49 to make it 3-1 at the break. Few could have predicted the devastating onslaught that followed.
Turning The Tables in Style
Trump, renowned for his incredible scoring power, showcased exactly why he is the sport’s current standard-bearer as he turned the match on its head in a barrage of big breaks. A 97 in frame five kick-started the comeback, before he ruthlessly capitalized on an easy missed red by Ding in the next to level at 3-3 with another half-century.
The decisive moment came in a pivotal seventh frame. Trump, in prime position, delivered the knockout blow with a magnificent 125 clearance, the fourth highest break of this year’s tournament. It put him ahead for the first time and he never looked back.
That was the moment I felt I could win. I really started to hit the ball well and felt so confident.
Judd Trump speaking after the match
No Stopping the Juddernaut
The world number one was now in full flow, his cue action at its silky smooth best. Frame eight fell his way courtesy of a 68 break as he moved one from victory at 5-3. And he crossed the winning line in typical Trump fashion, a closing run of 73 sealing a brilliant fightback.
It was a performance of true class and resilience from the 33-year-old, highlighting his extraordinary ability to shift through the gears under pressure. Five frames, 495 unanswered points, one major statement of intent in his quest for a second Masters title.
Ding Fades After Flying Start
For Ding, who lifted this trophy in 2011, it was a case of what might have been. The 14-time ranking event winner had looked in fine fettle early on but was ultimately left to rue costly errors at crucial moments as Trump turned the screw.
The defeat sees Ding’s wait for a second Masters crown go on, but he can take heart from an impressive showing against the world’s best player for much of this contest. On another day, it could have been a different story.
Semi-Final Showdown Awaits
Trump now marches on to a mouth-watering last four clash where he will face either Kyren Wilson or Luca Brecel for a spot in Sunday’s final. Both players have been in excellent form this week and will undoubtedly provide a stern examination of his title credentials.
But if Trump can maintain the blistering standards he displayed from 3-1 down against Ding, he will take some stopping. The Ace in the Pack has his sights firmly set on Masters glory once again.
I am here to win it. Anything less than the trophy and it will be a disappointment now. I want to keep this momentum going and play my absolute best in the semi-finals.
A determined Judd Trump looks ahead
On this evidence, Judd Trump has underlined his status as snooker’s alpha male. The chasing pack has been served notice – the world number one is on a mission and coming for more silverware at Alexandra Palace this week. A tantalizing climax to this year’s Masters awaits.
