Bingham Takes Lead Over Trump
Bingham showed few signs of nerves in his first Crucible semi
Stuart Bingham followed up his momentous victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan by making a fine start to his semi-final clash with Judd Trump at the Betfred World Championship, taking a 5-3 lead.
Bingham completed one of the best wins of his career last night when he beat O’Sullivan 13-9 to reach the last four at the Crucible for the first time.
And the world number ten is threatening to upset the form book again having established a two-frame advantage over Trump, who was rated favourite for the title at the start of today’s play.
Trump is bidding to reach the final for the first time since 2011, when he lost to John Higgins, but the Bristolian now needs to win 14 of the last 25 frames over the next two days.
The opening frame tonight went to Trump and he made a break of 64 in the second, only for Basildon’s Bingham to clear superbly with 65. Trump took the third on the colours but Bingham then won three in a row with top runs of 89, 49 and 74 to lead 4-2.
A break of 75 gave Trump frame seven, but it was Bingham who finished on top with a 76 to ensure an overnight lead. They return at 2.30pm on Friday for eight more frames.
It was a frustrating night for Trump