Judd Trump dominates Ding Junhui to reach Masters quarter-finals
Judd Trump delivered a masterclass at Alexandra Palace, sweeping past Ding Junhui 6-2 to secure his place in the Masters quarter-finals, reports BritPanorama.
The world number one showcased exceptional form, recording three centuries in a commanding display against the 2011 champion. This victory marks Trump’s fifth consecutive win over Ding, who he previously defeated by the same scoreline at the UK Championship last month.
Although the two-time Masters champion has not yet claimed any titles this season, his performance against Ding suggests that his silverware drought may soon come to an end.
Interestingly, all matches at this year’s Masters have concluded with a 6-2 scoreline. Trump speculated, “The table was playing unbelievably quick and reactive, so when you’re in among the ball it’s quite easy to score. I think the scorelines, 6-2, if you don’t adapt straight away it’s quite hard.” He humorously remarked to the BBC that he hoped to avoid following the pattern, even at 3-0 up.
Bookmakers Betfred calculated the odds of all seven matches finishing with identical scorelines at an astonishing 44,000/1. Trump’s break-building was particularly impressive; after edging a tense opening frame 63-50, he established a rhythm with a superb 116 before adding a 69 to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Ding demonstrated his class by fighting back to 3-2, including winning the fifth frame from 54 points behind, but Trump remained relentless. A solid 88 restored his two-frame lead, followed by a stunning 117 that put him within reach of victory. He concluded the match in style with a 109, capitalizing on a mistake from Ding.
Trump will now face Mark Allen in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening, scheduled for 7pm. The Englishman has opted to base himself in Dubai, having skipped both the Shoot Out and Scottish Open after his loss to Mark Selby in the UK Championship final last December.
As the competition heats up, Trump’s selective approach to his schedule seems to be paying dividends, allowing him to maintain a competitive edge. The open question remains whether he can translate this form into a title run that the snooker community is eagerly anticipating.
