Trump Progresses In Daqing
Judd Trump surged to a 6-0 whitewash win over Ian Burns to reach the last 32 of the Oppo International Championship in Daqing.
The Ace in the Pack is enjoying a fine run of form, having picked up his eighth ranking title last month by defending the European Masters in Belgium. He looked to be in ominous touch this evening, demolishing Burns in just an hour and a quarter.
Trump fired in runs of 78, 57, 115, 50, 105 and 127 as he stormed to victory. Afterwards the 28-year-old was confident of reaching new heights this season.
The 2012 International Champion said: “My best season performance is winning two ranking events and if you are winning two titles a season it is pretty good going. Having already won in Belgium, if I can get another one then the pressure is off and I can try to do what Ding Junhui and Mark Selby have done recently and win five.”
2015 winner John Higgins eased through with a 6-1 defeat of Elliot Slessor.
The Scot is now locked on 29 ranking titles alongside Ronnie O’Sullivan after the Rocket lifted the Steve Davis Trophy at the English Open last week. Both men will be hoping to clinch their 30th this week in Daqing.
Higgins trailed 1-0, but crafted breaks of 74, 114, 67 and 67 to win six on the bounce and secure the victory.
China’s number one Ding Junhui survived a hard fought clash with compatriot Chen Zhe, coming through a 6-3 victor.
The 13-time ranking event winner is struggling with an eye infection which he picked up prior to the event. However, he showed his class to win three frames on the bounce from 3-3 to clinch victory.
Former International Champion Ricky Walden recorded a superb fightback to defeat Peter Ebdon 6-5. He trailed 5-1 but a stunning burst of five consecutive frames saw him secure an unlikely victory
Kyren Wilson won the deciding frame in a high quality encounter with Tian Pengfei 6-5. The Warrior made century breaks of 101 and 127 during the tie. However, it was a gutsy contribution 57 in the final frame which saw him over the line.
Defending Champion Mark Selby put on a fine display to dispatch Ashley Hugill 6-1. While fellow Triple Crown winner Neil Robertson brushed aside Gary Wilson 6-2.
China Champion Luca Brecel produced a quickfire defeat of Li Yuan 6-1. The Bullet shot to victory with a top run of 112.
For full results click here.