Judd Trump continued his hunt for a record extending fifth BetVictor Northern Ireland Open title, after demolishing 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy 5-1 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
World number one Trump has shown incredible consistency levels in 2024, having made at least the quarter-finals of every event he’s entered. He’s also racked up over £1.5 million in prize money for the calendar year.
Today’s ruthless win was the Bristolian’s sixth straight defeat of Murphy. He now progresses to the semi-finals, where he will take on Elliot Slessor tomorrow night.
The opening frame this evening looked to be going the way of Murphy when he crafted a run of 62. However, Trump clawed his way back into the frame and a break of 35 eventually saw him steal by just a single point on the black.
The second did go to Murphy, after a run of 66, but it was Trump who took the next to regain the lead at 2-1. That acted as a catalyst for the 29-time ranking event winner to charge to the line. Further runs of 128 and 125 helped him to make it four on the bounce and a 5-1 triumph.
“I played pretty well from start to finish. I didn’t do much wrong, other than the last frame. By then it was pretty much done and dusted. I’m pleased with how I’ve played in all four games so far,” said 35-year-old Trump.
“I’d put how I’m playing down to hard work, consistency and self belief. Whether I win or have a tough loss, I treat it the same. I go back and work hard. The next tournament is completely different and I just try to win again.
“Shaun said some nice words at the end about how well I’m playing and how consistent I’ve been. It is nice to get recognition from your peers. You know it doesn’t come lightly if they say it.
“The crowd here are a bit more boisterous. When I can feel the excitement and energy in the crowd I want to play better. This is a place I love coming to.”
Slessor made it through to his fourth ranking semi-final, after a 5-1 defeat of Louis Heathcote, who was appearing in his maiden quarter-final.
The Gateshead cueman made the last four here in Belfast back in 2017. On that occasion he bowed out against eventual winner Mark Williams. Slessor will be hoping to go one better this time and he’s undaunted by the prospect of facing Trump.
Slessor said: “I’ve got a decent record against top 16 players. I’m not frightened of playing them. If he gives me a hiding it won’t be the first time I’ve had one and it won’t be the last time. All the pressure is on him. Everybody expects Judd to win, because he wins most of the things he enters. There will be a very small percentage of people thinking I can win, but I’ve beaten him before. I’ll try my best and see where it gets me."