Judd Trump won at the Tour Championship for the first time in six years after pipping Mark Allen 10-8 at the Manchester Central on Monday.
The world number one has been the most consistent force in the game over the course of the last decade or so, but he unusually suffers from a poor record in this event.
Trump reached the semi-finals in the tournament’s inaugural staging in 2019 and repeated that run a year later behind closed doors in Milton Keynes.
But since then, the Englishman has either failed to qualify or bowed out at the opening hurdle on each occasion.
It looked as though a repeat was on the cards when Allen took advantage of a cagey opening to their fixture by winning the first four frames.
Trump, however, managed to get out of the first session with parity restored, and both players combined to produce an entertaining second session where the result could have swung either way.
The duo exchanged five century breaks between them, but Trump’s third ton proved to be the decisive blow as it took him through to the competition’s last eight.
“It was a good game in the end,” Trump, who encounters Shaun Murphy in the next round, told the World Snooker Tour afterwards.
“The first four frames were just a bit scrappy. After that, we both played some really good stuff – good breaks, good clearances, good safety, and good long potting.”
“It was an enjoyable game. I was just kind of waiting for good opportunities, it was a bit scrappy [at first] and every time he left me in, it was a bit awkward.
“But after that, I was able to make a break and I settled down. The balls went a little bit more free flowing for the rest of the game.
“At 4-4, I was delighted to get off. But tonight was a different game, it was a great standard.”
Trump went through the entire calendar year of 2025 without any silverware but launched 2026 in a more familiar manner with victory at the German Masters.
Although he hasn’t quite been as prolific as in other years, he is still comfortably out in front as the sport’s world number one with plenty of semi-final and final appearances to his name.
“The last five or six months have been very consistent. It has taken some good performances [to beat me] – there have been a lot of semi-finals and finals.”
“I’m happy with my form, so it’s just about trying to improve a little bit more as the tournament goes on.
“There has been a lot more going on this season than I’ve ever had before in a season, so you’ve just got to take the positives.
“I’m happy with how I’ve performed, and I’ve done the best I can do with what I’ve been given this year.”
Following the Tour Championship, the best players will be preparing for the World Championship, which will be staged at the Crucible Theatre for the 50th time.
After years of speculation, it was announced last week that the contract with the iconic venue will be extended until at least 2045 – with a redevelopment phase to be undertaken in 2028 and 2029.
“It’s great news, and it’s great that it’s long-term as well,” Trump continued. “It kind of puts all the uncertainty to bed, which for snooker is probably the best thing that can happen.”
“The fact that in a few years time they are going to improve the venue is even better, so it’s an exciting time for snooker.
“The World Championship is always special, and it’s good to be able to keep it in the UK.
“Any arena we’ve played in where you’re fully surrounded brings even more pressure, so I think everyone will be keeping one eye on what’s going to happen. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to play in the new arena.”
Two other first-round matches at the Tour Championship got under way on Monday, meanwhile, with Barry Hawkins establishing a 5-3 advantage over Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
Wu Yize also boasts an overnight lead after taking control of his contest with Chris Wakelin, scoring five frame-winning breaks to lead 6-2.
Those matches will conclude on Tuesday, and there’ll also be the blockbuster battle between reigning champion John Higgins and Mark Williams to look forward to.
Featured photo credit: WST
