Trump Turkish Masters
Finals, Ranking, Snooker Headlines

Maximum Man Judd Trump Triumphs in Turkish Masters

Judd Trump won the inaugural Turkish Masters on Sunday after a commanding 10-4 victory over Matthew Selt in Antalya.

The world number three was in fine form, producing a marvellous 147 break during the second session to the delight of the crowd.

Trump emulates the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, and Neil Robertson who have conjured the special feat in a title-deciding contest.

After losing two out of the first three frames, Trump would have been forgiven for letting his mind wander to last week.

Seven days earlier at the Celtic Manor Resort, the Englishman unexpectedly lost in the Welsh Open final to Joe Perry.

But Trump restored parity at the first interval with a terrific 120 break and duly took control of the affair.

Former Indian Open champion Selt battled throughout the clash in what was his second appearance in a ranking event final.

But his inability to score heavily when granted the opportunity proved to be a telling difference.

By contrast Trump was flying, particularly in the second session after he had established a 5-3 advantage.

Breaks of 88, 73, and 82 substantiated the wonderful maximum effort in the tenth frame, which ultimately helped to extend his lead to 9-4.

Trump didn’t waste any time in subsequently getting over the line, sealing the Turkish Masters success with a 114 in the last frame.

Victory for the 32 year-old represents his 23rd career ranking title, which takes him to sixth on the all-time list ahead of Neil Robertson.

It also ends a barren spell in which he had failed to win a tournament at this level in over a year.

Trump won the invitational Champion of Champions in November but lost his world number one position during an indifferent period by his standards.

The £100,000 champion’s cheque, however, will guarantee his participation in the lucrative and prestigious Tour Championship later in March.

The 2019 world champion will also have a close eye on Sheffield, with his return to form potentially timed perfectly for another tilt at glory in the Crucible this year.

Featured photo credit: WST

One Comment

  1. Jamie Brannon

    Higgins could be the only player to make a 147 twice in a final. He made one in the 2003 LG Cup final and lost to Mark Williams. The other one came in a Shanghai Masters final victory over Judd Trump.

    My calculations have it that anyone down to Fan Zhengyi in 16th place on the one-year list can still qualify for the Tour Championship.

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