Judd Trump secured the Champion of Champions title in 2021.
World number one Judd Trump, despite jesting that he was performing at only “10%,” strung together six consecutive frames to secure a 6-2 victory over Zhao Xintong, advancing to the final of the Champion of Champions in Leicester.
Zhao, the Chinese world champion, initiated strongly with breaks of 50 and 72 to claim the first two frames, leaving Trump initially struggling to find his form.
However, the Englishman responded emphatically with runs of 68, 73, 77, and 66, seizing the subsequent five frames before clinching the victory with a break of 63.
“After going down 2-0, I felt I gained control of the match. I scored heavily and maintained a high level of accuracy. I’m pleased to reach the final, even though I’m not at my peak; I’d estimate I’m at about 10%,” Trump stated.
“I’ve switched my cue tip from brass to titanium this season, and I’m finding it quite challenging.
“I don’t feel entirely comfortable or fluid, and I need to exercise caution with every shot.
“When I’m playing at my best, I’m confident of winning nine times out of ten, but in recent years, I’ve learned how to secure victories more consistently even when I’m not performing at my peak.”
Trump, who has only won once in his previous five finals in this event, will now face either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson on Sunday, vying for his first title since the 2024 UK Championship.