In a surprising turn of events, Judd Trump suffered his first defeat of the new season after claiming the Shanghai Masters title, falling short in the final of the Xi’an Grand Prix. The eventual victor was Kyren Wilson, who had impressed throughout the entire tournament. These two top players faced off in an epic showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Kyren Wilson emerged victorious in the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix final, securing a thrilling 10-8 victory over the newly crowned world No. 1 Judd Trump on Sunday. The match lived up to its hype, with both players displaying their snooker prowess in two gripping sessions.
It was a seesaw battle as Trump managed to edge ahead 7-6 at one point, only for Wilson, the reigning world champion, to mount a comeback and secure the win. The competition between the two top-ranked players was intense, as Trump reclaimed the No. 1 spot from Mark Allen by reaching the final, while Wilson showcased the form that had led him to victory in May.
The sell-out crowd at the Qujiang E-sports Centre witnessed a display of outstanding skill and tactical mastery from both players. The chase for the coveted £177,000 first prize was neck and neck, with only a few frames separating them throughout the match.
Trump, aiming for back-to-back titles following his success at the Shanghai Masters, showed his class with breaks of 114 and 62 to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson, on the other hand, demonstrated his own scoring abilities with breaks of 54 and 58 to level the score at 2-2 during the mid-session interval.
The match provided added excitement when Wilson attempted a risky shot on the final black to surpass Mark Williams’ high break of 140. The attempt did not pay off, giving Williams a £5,000 bonus as Wilson narrowly missed the mark.
The tension reached its peak in the final frame of the opening session, with a tactical duel unfolding between Wilson and Trump. Despite Trump’s initial advantage, Wilson managed to keep the match close, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
In a nail-biting finish, Trump regained his lead at 7-6 after a lengthy safety exchange and a missed opportunity for Wilson. The match continued to be a battle of nerves and skill, with both players showcasing their best snooker.
Ultimately, Trump’s composure prevailed as he managed to pot the crucial red to set up a decisive final battle over the green ball. The match was a testament to the talent and tenacity of both players, but it was Wilson who emerged triumphant in the end.
