In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Masters snooker tournament, world number one Judd Trump emerged victorious against China’s Ding Junhui, winning 6-3 at Alexandra Palace. This victory not only secured Trump a place in the semi-finals but also propelled him past Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record by amassing the highest prize money for a single season, approaching an impressive £1.3 million for the 2024-25 period. Trump’s performance was marked by a remarkable series of breaks that silenced his opponent, who initially took a 3-1 lead.
The match was characterized by high-quality scoring, with both players demonstrating their skills throughout the frames. Ding, who is a former Masters champion, began strong by winning the first two frames with breaks of 70 and 74. However, Trump quickly responded with a break of 75 to close the gap. Significant momentum shifted in the sixth frame, where Ding missed a golden opportunity to maintain his lead, allowing Trump to capitalize and equalize the match. From there, Trump found his rhythm and dominated proceedings, winning five successive frames, including breaks of 125, 62, and 75.
Trump’s journey in this tournament exemplifies his growing confidence and prowess in the sport. After the match, he conveyed his commitment to maintaining consistency, stating, “I probably now would say I’m somewhere near my peak.” He acknowledged the transformation in his game over the years, emphasizing his increased belief in his ability to deliver under pressure. Trump’s determination was evident when he recounted that despite being 3-1 down, he remained confident to turn the match around.
With Ding failing to score significantly after the sixth frame, it became apparent that Trump had taken control. His final tally showcased his impressive skills, as he restricted Ding substantially in terms of points, only allowing him 39 points in the remaining frames. This turnaround was not just a display of skill but also highlighted Trump’s mental fortitude, especially in high-stakes matches like the Masters, where every frame is crucial.
The semi-final awaits Trump, where he will face off against either reigning world champion Kyren Wilson or the 2023 Crucible winner Luca Brecel later in the week. This upcoming challenge will be a test of Trump’s consistency, especially as he aims to secure a place in the finals while aiming for the £350,000 prize for the winner.
During the tournament, O’Sullivan, who has dominated the sport in recent seasons, had to withdraw due to medical issues, opening up the competition and allowing players like Trump to push boundaries even further. O’Sullivan’s previous season had seen him accumulate around £1.26 million, setting high standards within professional snooker.
Reflecting on his current campaign, Trump has already achieved victories at prestigious events such as the Shanghai Masters, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, and the UK Championship. This is indicative of his potential to surpass the £2 million mark in earnings by the end of the season if he maintains this pace.
As the snooker community looks forward to watching Trump pursue further successes, his performances in the Masters not only reinforce his status as a top competitor but also reshape the narrative around prize money and competitive success in the sport. Whether he can continue this remarkable form into the next round remains to be seen, but his confidence and skill certainly position him as a strong contender in the tournament.
