Judd Trump showcased his exceptional skill by achieving a top break of 90 during his semi-final triumph, solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the tournament [Getty Images]
In a dominant display, Judd Trump secured his place in the Northern Ireland Open final, effortlessly dismantling his opponent, Elliot Slessor, with a comprehensive 6-0 victory at the prestigious Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
The reigning champion and world number one showcased his talent by hitting impressive breaks of 78, 61, and a standout 90 throughout the match, leaving spectators in awe at the level of play on display on Saturday night.
In stark contrast, Slessor struggled to find his rhythm, managing to accumulate only 62 points in total, reflecting the sheer dominance of Trump, who is now poised to secure the tournament title for the fifth time in eight years.
Standing between Trump and the coveted trophy is fellow English contender Kyren Wilson, currently ranked number two in the world, who battled past Pang Junxu with a 6-4 victory in an earlier semi-final that showcased his resilience and skill.
Wilson initiated the match with an impressive break of 110 in the first frame, setting a competitive tone, although his Chinese opponent responded strongly with an 83, quickly leveling the match and demonstrating his own capabilities.
Taking control of the match, Wilson secured frames three and four, including a remarkable 77 break to take a 3-1 lead, but Pang displayed tenacity by reducing the deficit to 3-2.
With a series of strong plays, Wilson fought back to reestablish a two-frame advantage and continued his impressive scoring streak, including a pivotal break of 72 that brought him one step closer to victory.
Though Pang mounted a spirited comeback by winning the next two frames, it was Wilson’s determination and an 83 in the 10th frame that ultimately sealed his win, allowing him to move forward in the tournament.
Despite his impressive run throughout the tournament, world-ranked 27th Pang fell short against another world champion, having previously defeated Crucible winners Luca Brecel and Neil Robertson in earlier rounds.
Wilson is now setting his sights on clinching his second ranking title of the season, after already claiming victory at the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix in China back in August, where he edged past Trump in an intense final that ended 10-8.
At 35 years old, Trump has already made a significant mark this season, having triumphed in both the Shanghai Masters and the first Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, further solidifying his status as a snooker superstar.
Interview with Judd Trump – Northern Ireland Open Semi-Final Winner
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Judd. Congratulations on your incredible 6-0 victory over Elliot Slessor in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open. How does it feel to dominate a match like that?
Judd Trump: Thank you! It feels fantastic. I was really pleased with my performance and the way I managed to control the game. Scoring breaks like 78, 61, and especially the 90, gives you a lot of confidence as a player.
Editor: Your break of 90 was particularly impressive. Can you walk us through that moment?
Judd Trump: Sure! It was a combination of careful planning and executing my shots well. When I’m in the zone and the balls are set up right, I just try to stay focused and let my natural game take over. The crowd was great, and that energy definitely helped elevate my performance.
Editor: Elliot Slessor really struggled to find his rhythm during the match. What do you think contributed to this disparity in performance?
Judd Trump: Every match is different, and we all have our ups and downs. I think I got off to a strong start, which can sometimes put pressure on your opponent. Elliot is a solid player, but when the scoreboard doesn’t go your way, it can be tough to break out of that mindset.
Editor: With this victory, you’re just one step away from winning the Northern Ireland Open for the fifth time in eight years. How do you plan to approach the final?
Judd Trump: I’m going to stick to my game plan and maintain the same level of focus. Finals can be stressful, but I’ve been in those situations before, so I’ll rely on my experience. It’s all about playing my own game, staying relaxed, and enjoying the occasion.
Editor: Any words for your fans who’ll be cheering you on in the final?
Judd Trump: Absolutely! I appreciate all the support. It means a lot to have fans behind me, and I’ll be aiming to put on another great performance for them.
Editor: Best of luck in the final, Judd! We can’t wait to see you back in action.
Judd Trump: Thanks! I’m looking forward to it.
Ing the match. Did you notice anything specific that affected his performance?
Judd Trump: It’s hard to say. Every player has their good and bad days. Elliot is a talented player, but sometimes the pressure of a big match can get to you. I just tried to keep my foot on the pedal and maintain my own level of focus, which I think contributed to his struggles as well. When you’re not scoring, it’s easy to get frustrated, and that can affect your game.
Editor: Looking ahead, you’ll be facing Kyren Wilson in the final. What do you think about your upcoming match against him?
Judd Trump: Kyren is a strong competitor, and he’s really been on form lately. We’ve had some great matches in the past, and I’ll need to be at my best to compete with him. I’m looking forward to it—it’s going to be a tough battle. I respect his game, but I’ll be aiming to control the table like I did in the semi-final.
Editor: With your success this season, including wins at the Shanghai Masters and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, how do you keep your motivation high?
Judd Trump: Winning breeds confidence, but it also brings pressure. I try to remind myself why I started playing snooker in the first place—my love for the game. Staying focused on each match and not getting too caught up in past victories is important for maintaining my performance. I love the challenge!
Editor: Thanks for your insights, Judd. Best of luck in the final!
Judd Trump: Thank you! I appreciate it and look forward to the challenge ahead.
