Judd Trump is closing in on a return to the summit of the world rankings, after beating David Gilbert 5-2 to make the semi-finals of the Xi’an Grand Prix.
The Ace in the Pack is yet to be beaten this season, after a brilliant display to win the Shanghai Masters for the first time last month.
Trump has now won his first nine matches of the current campaign. He is also on a hot streak in China, winning 23 of his last 24 matches in the country.
Gilbert has enjoyed a return to form in recent months, having made the semi-finals of the World Championship at the end of last season and performed well in the Championship League. However, Trump was too hot to handle today.
Breaks of 52, 67, 67, and 94 helped 2019 World Champion Trump through this evening. One more win in the semi-finals, against Daniel Wells, would be enough to see the Englishman dethrone Mark Allen as world number one.
“I think I just want to win more than anyone else. I’m willing to put the work in more than anyone else. I see a lot of people taking time off and turning up with excuses. I don’t want to be that person. I want to practise every day and at every opportunity. I want to be the best in the world and win every event I play in. You only get one career and there is no point wasting time and taking days off."
Judd Trump
2019 World Champion
Trump added: “Daniel is a surprise package but he is someone I grew up with and practised with many times. He has had spells on and off the tour but he is more than good enough to sustain his standard. It is nice to see him in a semi-final but friendships go out the window at this stage.”
Wells produced a fine display to reach his third ranking event semi-final, defeating former Crucible finalist Barry Hawkins 5-3.
It’s a significant moment for the Welshman, who fell off the tour in 2021 and spent time working for his mother’s cleaning business in Neath. This is his most significant result since regaining his professional status last year.
Wells said: "It is relief more than anything. I practise to try and win something. To be in the semis, I have given myself a chance to do that. I have a long road ahead. There is a bit of elation being in the semi-finals but the job's not done."