World number one Judd Trump showcased his enduring class and resilience as he overcame China’s Zhao Xintong with a convincing 6-2 victory to reach the final of the Champion of Champions 2025 in Leicester. Despite joking that he was performing at just “10%,” Trump turned the match around after a shaky start and demonstrated why he remains one of snooker’s most formidable competitors.

The match began in Zhao’s favor, as the reigning world champion produced solid breaks of 50 and 72 to take the opening two frames. Trump appeared off his rhythm early on, giving the impression that he might struggle against the talented Chinese star.

However, the Englishman soon found his groove. Trump unleashed an impressive streak of breaks, including 68, 73, 77, and 66, winning five consecutive frames to swing the momentum decisively in his favor. He sealed the victory with a composed break of 63, confirming his place in the final.

“From 2-0, I felt I controlled the game. I scored heavily and didn’t miss much,” Trump said after the match. “I am happy to be in the final, even though I am still not at 100%—probably at about 10%.”

Trump revealed that a change in his cue tip—from brass to titanium—this season has affected his comfort and fluency at the table. “I really have to take care over every shot,” he added. “When I play at my best, I know I will win nine times out of ten. Over the last few years, I have learned how to win more often even when I am not playing at my peak.”

This victory puts Trump in a strong position to claim his first Champion of Champions title since 2024 UK Championship, although he has historically struggled in this event, winning only one of his previous five finals. He will face either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson on Sunday in what promises to be a thrilling final showdown.

Trump’s performance is a reminder of his resilience and tactical mastery in snooker, proving that even when not at full strength, he remains a major threat in any tournament. Fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the final as Trump seeks to add another prestigious title to his decorated career.World number one Judd Trump showcased his enduring class and resilience as he overcame China’s Zhao Xintong with a convincing 6-2 victory to reach the final of the Champion of Champions 2025 in Leicester. Despite joking that he was performing at just “10%,” Trump turned the match around after a shaky start and demonstrated why he remains one of snooker’s most formidable competitors.

The match began in Zhao’s favor, as the reigning world champion produced solid breaks of 50 and 72 to take the opening two frames. Trump appeared off his rhythm early on, giving the impression that he might struggle against the talented Chinese star.

However, the Englishman soon found his groove. Trump unleashed an impressive streak of breaks, including 68, 73, 77, and 66, winning five consecutive frames to swing the momentum decisively in his favor. He sealed the victory with a composed break of 63, confirming his place in the final.

“From 2-0, I felt I controlled the game. I scored heavily and didn’t miss much,” Trump said after the match. “I am happy to be in the final, even though I am still not at 100%—probably at about 10%.”

Trump revealed that a change in his cue tip—from brass to titanium—this season has affected his comfort and fluency at the table. “I really have to take care over every shot,” he added. “When I play at my best, I know I will win nine times out of ten. Over the last few years, I have learned how to win more often even when I am not playing at my peak.”

This victory puts Trump in a strong position to claim his first Champion of Champions title since 2024 UK Championship, although he has historically struggled in this event, winning only one of his previous five finals. He will face either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson on Sunday in what promises to be a thrilling final showdown.

Trump’s performance is a reminder of his resilience and tactical mastery in snooker, proving that even when not at full strength, he remains a major threat in any tournament. Fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the final as Trump seeks to add another prestigious title to his decorated career.