Judd Trump faced a surprising defeat, losing 13-9 to Jak Jones in the quarter-finals of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Despite starting the day tied at 8-8, Trump struggled to find his groove, allowing Jones to capitalize on the tactical aspects of the game.
Jones’ breaks of 87, 61, and a superb run of 106 helped him secure the victory and advance to the semi-finals. Now, Jones, known as the Silent Assassin, will face either Ronnie O’Sullivan or Stuart Bingham for a chance at the title.
Reflecting on his win, Jones expressed his satisfaction and attributed his motivation to Trump’s initial strong performance. He recognized Trump’s shift in demeanor during the match and seized the opportunity to gain the upper hand.
Meanwhile, in another quarter-final match, Kyren Wilson holds a 9-7 lead over John Higgins as they head into their concluding session.
Jones is Joy as Trump Falters.
Jak Jones celebrated a triumphant moment as Judd Trump stumbled in their match. Trump, a former title-holder and a dominant force in recent tournaments, faced Jones with high expectations. Despite starting strong with a remarkable break of 110, Trump struggled to maintain his usual level of play.
Jones, ranked lower at 44, capitalized on Trump’s off-game, employing strategic safety play to control the pace.
Trump voiced his frustration, acknowledging his missed opportunities and the sluggish tempo of the game. Reflecting on his performance, Trump admitted he should have been more aggressive earlier on, recognizing that his cautious approach may have played into Jones’ hands.
In contrast, Jones remained composed, seizing key moments with an impressive break of 87 to edge ahead. Trump’s errors, including a critical missed pink, allowed Jones to extend his lead further. With each missed opportunity, Jones inched closer to sealing his victory.
Wilson is superior to Higgins.
Kyren Wilson currently holds a slight advantage over John Higgins in their quarter-final match. Higgins started the day trailing 5-3 but managed to close the gap by winning the first frame on Wednesday morning, showcasing his skill in a tense safety exchange.
However, Wilson, aiming for his fourth semi-final appearance at the Crucible, surged ahead with impressive runs of 94 and 53, claiming the next four frames. Despite Higgins’ struggles, he managed to break Wilson’s streak with a composed break of 73 and clinched the 15th frame on the black.
With the match delicately poised at 9-7, the stage is set for an intriguing finale as both players vie for a spot in the semi-finals.
