Trump Ends Carrington Charge

Judd Trump booked his place in round two of the Betfred World Championship by fending off a late fight-back from Stuart Carrington to win 10-6.

World number six Trump saw an 8-3 lead reduced to 9-6 as Crucible debutant Carrington found his rhythm late in the contest, but Trump was not to be denied a last 16 meeting with Marco Fu.

Bristol’s 25-year-old Trump is enjoying the most consistent season of his career having won the Australian Goldfields Open and World Grand Prix as well as reaching three other finals. Runner-up at the Crucible in 2011, the left-hander hopes to go one better this time.

“I will just stay quietly confident and go about my business, and hopefully I can keep playing like I am,” said Trump. “I don’t really want to give too much away, but I know that if I play well then I have a very good chance. The further you get into the tournament the more comfortable you feel. The next couple of rounds are where you try to find your form.

In my eyes Neil Robertson is favourite to win the tournament. Neil and Mark Selby are going to be the toughest two but I’m confident I can beat anybody.

“A lot of players are playing well, a lot of players fancy their chances. Ding and Higgins are coming to back to form so instead of three or four contenders there are six or seven of them. For the viewers it’s going to be an excellent tournament.

“I thought I was always in control against Stuart, I didn’t do a lot wrong. All aspects of my game were pretty good.

“Stuart played exceptionally well, better than anyone I’ve ever seen on their debut, so he can take massive credit from that. The balls weren’t quite running for me today so I just needed to stay patient.

“Marco will be as tough as anyone, any game from this stage is a tough one so it’s just about going out and playing the table.”

Former UK Champion Trump led 7-2 overnight, then Grimsby’s Carrington won the first frame today with a break of 97. A run of 74 put Trump 8-3 up, before Carrington took the next two with 74 and 70.

The high scoring continued as Trump’s 76 put him on the brink of victory at 9-5, then Carrington just missed out on his first Crucible century, rattling the black on 99. Trump then sealed victory in style with a 106.

Carrington said: “I just went in there today so relaxed. Even yesterday, I couldn’t believe how relaxed I was. I lost a couple of frames that I could have won, but Judd played really well. It was always going to be a tough game so I was pleased with how I fought back and put on a bit of a show.

“I really didn’t want to go out and lose 10-2 so I just went for my shots and luckily I managed to score heavily today and put him under a bit of pressure.”

On the other table, the second round got underway as defending champion Mark Selby shared the first eight frames of his clash with qualifier Anthony McGill.

Glasgow’s McGill took the opening frame then made a 63 to go 2-0 up, before Selby won three in a row with 51, 65 and 87. McGill hit back with 74 and 73 to lead 4-3. In the last of the session, McGill got the snooker he needed on the last red and had a chance to clear to force a respot, but missed the final black and Selby potted it for 4-4. They resume tomorrow at 10am.