Judd Trump played the role of local hero to perfection in the opening round of the World Grand Prix as he thrilled his fans in Hong Kong with a 4-2 win over Gary Wilson.
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World number one Trump has been living in Hong Kong for most of the past year and considers this his home tournament as the city stages the event for the first time at the fabulous new Kai Tak Arena. And his supporters were out in force as he came from 1-0 down to score a comfortable victory, knocking in breaks of 142, 95 and 69. That sets up a blockbuster last 16 clash with his close friend Jack Lisowski on Thursday.
"I got a great reception and that gives me a buzz," said Trump, who won this event in 2015, 2019 and 2020. "There was a bit of added pressure because I wanted to get the first round out of the way. It's a big event with big prize money in a great arena and a great city.
"Hong Kong is an incredible place, I felt that before I even contemplated coming to live here. There is a lot of energy, so much to see and do, especially when the weather is good. Everyone who comes here loves it and I'm glad we have such a big event here now. I would rather have avoided Jack until the final, but it's a great setting for both of us to play in. These are the kind of arenas you dream of playing in."
Trump has enjoyed a tremendous season already, winning the Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters and Victorian Plumbing UK Championship. He is also on track for a possible 100 centuries over the campaign, and the first player to achieve that will earn a £100,000 bonus. His ton in the second frame today was his 80th of 2024/25.
"There's a chance, I don't think it's a great chance," he admitted when asked if he feels he can win that bonus. "In the next few events I'm starting in the last 32, last 16 or last eight and it's difficult to make centuries against the top players. It will go down to the wire, I might need an amazing run at the World Championship, maybe it will come in the final. It's on the back burner, I'm not thinking about it much. But if it's possible at the Crucible it will add excitement."
John Higgins, fresh from his landmark triumph at the Weide Cup World Open last Saturday, remained on a high as he edged out Ali Carter 4-3. Higgins won his first ranking title in four years in Yushan, before making the journey to Hong Kong and meeting up with wife Denise for a short celebration before returning to the baize.
It was a crucial match for Carter as he stands in 16th place in the Johnstone's Paint One-Year Rankings, so defeat means he could be overtaken this week and miss out on the Sportsbet.io Players Championship. Carter outscored his opponent today, making breaks of 137 and 120, but Higgins won several tight frames, including the fifth on a respotted black and the decider on the last red.
"When you win a few deciders you get a bit of confidence," said 49-year-old Higgins, who now meets Kyren Wilson. "At 3-3 I thought I was going to win, while in recent years I was feeling the other way. That can be the difference between winning tournaments and getting knocked out early.
"It felt strange, coming here after such a high last weekend. This is a massive tournament but my mind was still in Yushan and you can't afford to do that at this level. I had a great couple of days with Denise, that was special. But now it's head down and focus and try for another good run. This is an unbelievable venue, I would love to play Kyren in front of a big crowd."
World Champion Wilson came from 3-2 down to win a high qualty match with Matthew Selt 4-3. Selt made breaks of 51, 69 and 118 in taking a 3-2 lead, while Wilson had fired 57, 133 and 61 at that stage. Further runs of 111 and 87 game Wilson the last two frames and kept him on track for a fourth ranking title of the season.
Wu Yize raced to a 4-0 success in a Chinese derby against Pang Junxu with top breaks of 111 and 75. Wu's next opponent is Stuart Bingham.