World number one Judd Trump delivered a masterclass performance as he dismantled Mark Williams 4-0 in just 48 minutes at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, marking a return to form after experimenting with a new cue earlier in the season.
Trump Returns to Old Cue, Finds Rhythm
Trump, who has yet to claim a title this season, opted to revert to his previous cue after a short-lived experiment with a titanium-ferrule model. The change appeared to restore his natural fluency, as he produced clinical breaks of 100 and 102 to secure a straight-frames victory.
“The experiment with that cue did not succeed. It is hard to play your best when you are trying to find the right cue, but I’m out there battling,” Trump admitted.
Trump’s performance was a stark contrast to his recent defeat against Mark Selby in the final of the Champion of Champions, where he struggled with rhythm and consistency after changing cues at the start of the campaign.
“There is still going to be a bit of changing until I find the right cue, it is not perfect at the moment. We are all fortunate just to play snooker for a living. Sometimes it’s tough when things are not going your way, but I will keep trying and at some point it will all click again,” he added.
Path to the Semi-Finals
With the 4-0 win over Williams, Trump now sets his sights on the semi-finals, where he will face Zhao Xintong. Zhao booked his last-four spot with a 4-2 victory over Shaun Murphy, compiling four half-centuries in the process.
The other semi-final promises an exciting contest between defending champion Mark Allen and Australian star Neil Robertson.
- Mark Allen, representing Northern Ireland, triumphed 4-2 over Scotland’s John Higgins in a hard-fought match.
- Neil Robertson, fresh off his Saudi Arabia Masters win, dominated Kyren Wilson 4-0 with breaks of 100, 133, 88, and 76, demonstrating his formidable form.
Riyadh Season Snooker Championship: Semi-Final Outlook
The semi-finals are set to provide thrilling matchups:
- Judd Trump vs Zhao Xintong – A clash between the world number one and China’s rising star.
- Mark Allen vs Neil Robertson – Defending champion Allen faces a red-hot Robertson in a battle of experience and recent form.
Trump’s return to his old cue and dominant display over Williams have re-established him as a serious contender for the Riyadh title. With the semi-finals approaching, fans can expect high-quality snooker and potential century breaks from the tournament’s top players.
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