Judd Trump fought hard for a 5-2 defeat of Anthony McGill to set up a blockbuster last 16 showdown with John Higgins at the Wuhan Open.
Trump and Higgins have battled it out over the years, in what has become one of snooker’s greatest rivalries. They’ve met in two world finals, in 2011 and 2019, with Higgins winning the former and Trump the latter.
It is 29-time ranking event winner Trump who leads the head to head standings between the pair, having won ten of their last 11 meetings.
The Ace in the Pack wasn’t at his brilliant best in this evening’s clash with McGill and knows he will have to up his game against 31-time ranking event winner Higgins, who emerged a 5-3 victor against Zak Surety.
“I find it easier playing John because I know I have to play at my absolute best to stand a chance. John is in good form and I will have to play well and improve if I am going to win,” said 35-year-old Trump.
“I think, at this moment in time, we have had the best games against each other of anyone. He has been one of the best rivalries I’ve had in snooker. If you look at the top five or ten games I’ve been involved in then at least two or three are with him. There have been some great memories in the games between us.”
China’s 14-time ranking event winner Ding Junhui continued his strong form with a 5-2 defeat of compatriot Yuan Sijun.
Ding fired in breaks of 58, 95, 110 and 77 on his way to this evening’s win and now faces Chris Wakelin, who whitewashed David Lilley 5-0. After this evening’s match Ding stated that he feels the standard of snooker in China is improving all of the time.
Ding said: “Chinese players are improving their technical skills and gaining more experience, they are getting better. They have become familiar with the different styles of players and Chinese competitors stand out in various events now.”
Jack Lisowski put on a brilliant display to brush aside world finalist Jak Jones 5-1. The Englishman made century runs of 136 and 130 during the win. He now faces Wu Yize.