The world number one advanced to the semi-finals of the invitational tournament for the second season in succession.
Judd Trump equalled an impressive century record in the Champion of Champions as he compiled five tons in beating David Gilbert on Tuesday.
The haul matches Fergal O’Brien’s previous high tally in a best-of-11 frame encounter, which the Irishman memorably set back in the 2016 UK Championship.
Trump opened his quarter-final contest against Gilbert with a break of 103, and although he lost the next frames to briefly trail his opponent, the English Open champion dominated the remainder of the fixture with his trademark heavy scoring.
The Englishman added runs of 117, 112, 107, and a terrific 138 in the last frame to see off the challenge of Gilbert with a 6-3 triumph.
Last season, Trump became only the second player in history to record a century of centuries across a single campaign.
The 31 year-old is already on 18 for this term, four shy of Neil Robertson – Trump’s usual sparring partner in this department who has made 22.
Earlier on day two in Milton Keynes, Trump hit a break of 119 as he comfortably overcame Stuart Bingham in the first round with a whitewash display.
🔥 Five, count ’em, FIVE centuries in his group final game against David Gilbert tonight.
But apparently not @judd147t‘s best snooker 😅
🤔 We wonder what that looks like..
The 2019 @888sport #ChampOfChamps finalists are both through to the semi finals once again 👏 pic.twitter.com/a36WYX8LPq
— Champion Of Champions (@ChampOfChamps) November 3, 2020
Gilbert, whose invitation into the competition was only confirmed last week when Kyren Wilson won the Championship League, made the most of his opportunity early on as he rattled in four frame-winning contributions to beat Shaun Murphy – a former winner of this event.
But try as he did, Gilbert couldn’t keep up with the relentless pace set by the 2019 world champion.
It means that Trump and Robertson remain on course for a repeat of last year’s showdown for glory, which was a compelling final that broke another century record with eight tons – on that occasions over the best-of-19 frames.
Despite losing on that occasion, being denied in memorable fashion by a superb century clearance by Robertson, Trump is the favourite for glory with the bookies in 2020.
The Bristol potter is currently ahead of Robertson in the betting markets, and so you know which bookmakers are trustworthy you should make sure to browse the most reputable online sportsbooks.
On Wednesday, Mark Selby enters the fray when he takes on Luca Brecel while Wilson entertains Stephen Maguire.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is in action a day later, and the world champion could become the favourite again if he can survive his section of the draw with Michael Holt, Mark Allen, and Scott Donaldson.
Live coverage continues on ITV4.
Click here to view the draw – Scheduled times in CET. (External Site)
