World number one Judd Trump edged past John Higgins 6-4 in a thrilling semi-final battle at the Players Championship, held at the Telford International Centre.
Trump's victory sets up an enticing final against reigning world champion Kyren Wilson, promising to bring the best of snooker to the forefront.
The semi-final match, which took place on March 22, 2025, saw Trump deliver a stunning performance by taking the first frame with a remarkable break of 130. This commanding lead further expanded with a break of 126, putting him 3-1 ahead before Higgins mounted a valiant comeback.
Higgins, a four-time world champion at 49 years old, showed resilience, responding to Trump's impressive opening with a century of his own (107). Despite this, Trump regained his footing and maintained a narrow advantage as the match unfolded.
The match saw several shifts in momentum, culminating in Higgins drawing level at 4-4 after winning two consecutive frames. However, Trump, displaying his renowned prowess, seized control again by notching a 61 break in the ninth frame, putting him one frame away from victory.
In the final frame, Trump secured his win with another solid performance, capping it off with a break of 53, confirming his place in the final against Wilson on March 23, 2025. Wilson himself is on a high after having edged past Neil Robertson 6-5 in a tight semi-final on March 21.
Trump has not only demonstrated skill and tenacity but has also shown a consistent ability to win key matches. Following this victory over Higgins, Trump has now triumphed in all of their last 12 ranking events. As he prepares for the final showdown, he seeks his third Players Championship title.
On the eve of the final, both players reflect on their previous encounters. Wilson has had the upper hand against Trump in their major finals, having bested him in three previous encounters, including this season. Their rivalry adds weight to the upcoming match, making it a contest of not just skill, but history and pressure.
Ticket-holders are anticipating a fierce competition between the two players who have defined current snooker, underpinned by skill, strategy, and determination. As the final approaches, snooker aficionados are eager to see if Trump can break his recent trend and claim a decisive victory over Wilson.
In summary, Judd Trump's semi-final victory has set up a thrilling contest against Kyren Wilson for the Players Championship title, with both players poised to showcase the best of their abilities on Sunday. As the sporting community turns its attention to Telford, expectations are high for a memorable final.
