Judd Trump Dominates Mark Williams, Advances to Riyadh Season Snooker Championship Semifinals
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A commanding performance from world number one Judd Trump saw him defeat Mark Williams 4-0 in just 48 minutes, securing his place in the semi-finals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. The victory comes as Trump seeks his first title of the season and appears to be a turning point after recent struggles with his equipment.
Return to Form for Trump
Trump showcased a return to his best form, highlighted by impressive breaks of 100 and 102. This display marks a significant contrast to his recent final defeat against Mark Selby at the Champion of Champions just four days prior. Following that match, Trump openly discussed the difficulties he’d encountered after switching to a new cue featuring a titanium ferrule.
“The experiment with that cue did not succeed,” Trump stated. “It is hard to play your best when you are trying to find the right cue, but I’m out there battling.” He acknowledged the ongoing process of finding the perfect equipment, adding, “There is still going to be a bit of changing until I find the right cue, it is not perfect at the moment.” Despite the challenges, Trump remains optimistic, emphasizing the privilege of playing the sport professionally and his commitment to improvement. “We are all fortunate just to play snooker for a living. Sometimes it’s tough when things are not going your way, but I will keep trying and at some point it will all click again.”
Semifinal Matchups Confirmed
Trump will face China’s Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals on Friday. Xintong, the current world champion, secured his spot with a 4-2 victory over Shaun Murphy, compiling four half-centuries in the process.
The other semi-final will pit defending Riyadh champion Mark Allen against Australia’s Neil Robertson. Allen overcame a determined John Higgins in a 4-2 contest, while Robertson delivered a dominant 4-0 performance against Kyren Wilson, punctuated by breaks of 100, 133, 88, and 76. Robertson has already claimed victory at the Saudi Arabia Masters this season, establishing himself as a strong contender.
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship continues to deliver thrilling competition as the world’s top players battle for the title.
