Trump soars past Zhao and into Champion of Champions final
Trump is through to his sixth Champion of Champions final (Credit: Matchroom Multi-Sport)
Judd Trump says he is “hungry” to lift the Champion of Champions trophy again, after sealing his place in this year’s final with a 6-2 victory over Zhao Xintong.
An ever-present at this event, Trump was the winner in 2021, while he has been a beaten finalist on a further four occasions.
The world number one booked his passage into his sixth Champion of Champions showpiece after recovering from a slow start to deny World champion Zhao.
Trump lost the opening two frames, but reeled off the next six to set up a showdown with either Neil Robertson or Mark Selby in Sunday’s final.
“It’s nice to be in another final,” he told ITV. “I made a couple of early errors, but once Zhao let me back in, I felt I controlled the match from that point.
“I took my chances when they came, and I’m pleased to be into another final. I go into every match wanting to do my best — I’ve done that all week. Now, I’m hungry to lift that trophy again.
“I know if I play my best then, nine times out of 10, I’m going to win. But it’s about trying to do it when you’re not at your best, that’s what I’ve managed to do over the last few years, and probably even harder this year.”
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester was set a mouth-watering Friday night, with the world number one taking on the reigning Crucible king in a blockbuster semi-final.
Trump had the first opportunity of the opening frame, but broke down on 49 and, after overturning the deficit with a run of 50, Zhao took it on the blue.
The Chinese, seeking his first title since that remarkable Crucible triumph, swiftly doubled his lead with a quickfire 72, and appeared in control of the contest.
Back came Trump, though, with breaks of 68 and 73 to level the contest at 2-2 heading into the mid-session interval after just over 45 minutes of play.
The Ace completed the turnaround after the interval, before further contributions of 77 and 66 moved him to the brink of victory at 5-2 up.
Both players had chances in the eighth frame. Zhao reduced the deficit to eight points after Trump was in first with 38. The 2021 champion made the most of his second opportunity, though, with a 63 clearance more than enough to get him over the line.
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