Despite losing six consecutive frames in the middle of the match, Judd Trump earned a 13-8 victory over Luca Brecel to reach the semi-finals of the Halo World Championship, setting a new all-time record in the process.
Trump looked in trouble earlier today when he fell 7-5 behind, having led 5-1, but showed grit and maturity to ride that storm and went on to take eight of the last nine frames for what eventually proved a comfortable victory. No one has played better over the past 12 days and the 35-year-old is clearly confident of his chances of a second Crucible crown, having lifted the trophy in 2019. In his three matches he has made 11 centuries, taking his overall tally for the season to 104, surpassing Neil Robertson's record of 103 which had stood for 11 years.
World number one Trump will appear in the one-table set up in Sheffield for the sixth time and will be aiming for a fourth final. His next opponent is Mark Williams, a familiar foe as Trump beat the veteran Welshman 17-16 when they played at the same stage in 2022, and also 10-9 with a sensational clearance in the deciding frame when they met in the final of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters earlier this season. A possible 33 frame contest between the two left-handers gets underway on Thursday at 7pm.
For a while this afternoon, Brecel played a style of snooker reminiscent of his triumph here two years ago. But this time he was unable to sustain it and defeat means the 30-year-old Belgian plummets from seventh to 38th in the Johnstone's Paint World Rankings. Brecel has shown signs of a return to form in the tail end of this season and will need to continue that momentum next term to climb back where he belongs.
Tied 8-8 going into tonight's final session, Trump was fast out of the blocks with breaks of 115 and 116, setting that new centuries record. He went on to dominate the next two frames to lead 12-8 at the interval. Frame 21 came down to the colours and Trump got the better of a battle on the brown before potting brown, blue and pink to reach his 69th ranking event semi-final.
"I played well for most of the match," he said. "Luca was unstoppable for a period of six frames. I had to really dig in and get out of the second session at 8-8, that's where I won the match. I didn't get frustrated, I kept my head and waited to turn things around. I feel very good about my game, I feel confident. I have played good snooker in every session so far. I have really enjoyed it this year, in the past I have been a bit nervous but this time I have enjoyed the walk-ons, and taken time to have a look around and soak it in.
"It's always a very high standard when I play Mark. I actually think he has five or ten years still to come if he works hard, the same with Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins. They are all legends and it must be a nice feeling for them to still be having great matches here."
Brecel, in awe of his opponent, said: "Judd’s incredible. He’s so difficult to play against. Anyone in the draw I would have fancied beating but he’s just a different level. His all round game - you have many players who can score unbelievably, but he backs it up with great safety and great long-potting. That’s incredibly difficult and that’s the reason he’s number one. I think he’s been the best player for maybe the last five years, so it’s no surprise. He’s probably the best number one that’s ever been. He’s still young, he can still win so many more. For me he’s probably the best ever."