In Belfast, Judd Trump secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open by defeating Shaun Murphy 5-1. This victory marked Trump’s 65th ranking semi-final appearance, showcasing his dominance in the snooker world.

The world No. 1 showed his class by nailing consecutive century breaks against a frustrated Murphy, who put up a strong fight but ultimately couldn’t match Trump’s skill and precision on the table. Reflecting on his performance, Trump acknowledged the potential danger posed by Murphy’s quick start but expressed confidence in his ability to navigate challenges and emerge victorious.

“The first frame was massive, I think, to nick that and settle into the game,” Trump shared with Eurosport. “Because he [Murphy] looked sharp at the start. That’s just something I’m able to do at the moment, just able to recognize when I’m in danger and get myself out of it at the start.”

Murphy, initially looking strong in the opening frame, faltered with a crucial error that allowed Trump to capitalize and secure the win by a narrow margin. Trump’s momentum only grew as the match progressed, with Murphy visibly frustrated at missed opportunities and tough breaks.

Trump’s impressive form continued as he sealed his fourth century of the week, solidifying his lead and moving closer to victory. Despite a brief stumble in the sixth frame, Trump’s overall performance was too strong for Murphy to mount a comeback, ultimately securing his place in the semi-finals.

Next, Trump will face off against Elliott Slessor in a bid to secure a spot in the final. Slessor, who overcame Louis Heathcote in his quarter-final match, poses a new challenge for Trump to overcome on his path to tournament victory.

In other matches, Pang Junxu emerged victorious over Neil Robertson, setting up a showdown with Kyren Wilson in the semi-finals. Wilson, fresh off a commanding win over Mark Williams, continues to showcase his skill and dominance in the snooker world, setting the stage for an exciting clash with Pang Junxu in the next round of the Northern Ireland Open.

Snooker fans can catch all the action live and on-demand on discovery+ as the tournament unfolds in Belfast, promising thrilling matches and top-notch gameplay from some of the sport’s biggest stars.