Defending champion Judd Trump has swept aside three-time winner Ding Junhui with a 6-2 victory in the UK Championship semi-finals, moving him one step closer to claiming the title. The win marked a significant comeback for Trump, who had lost to Ding two years ago in the semi-finals.
Trump's dominant performance was marked by several crucial breaks, including a run of 73 that reduced his arrears and allowed him to take control of the match. He eventually compiled a break of 91 to lead 4-2, which proved insurmountable for Ding.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash between Trump and Australia's Neil Robertson, who defeated Pang Junxu in a thrilling encounter. Robertson has been on a roll this tournament, having beaten several top players along the way, and will look to make it two finals appearances in three years.
Trump's teammate Shaun Murphy also reached the semi-finals with a 6-3 win over Zhang Anda, marking his first appearance in the last eight since 2017. He will face fellow former UK champion Mark Selby in a battle between two of the game's most experienced players.
Trump himself credited his improved timing and confidence for his success, stating that he had been finding "the confidence to go for it" at crucial moments during the match. The win has reinvigorated Trump's title hopes, but he will face stiff competition from Robertson in the semi-finals.
The UK Championship semi-finals are expected to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with all four players having produced some outstanding performances throughout their respective matches.
Trump's dominant performance was marked by several crucial breaks, including a run of 73 that reduced his arrears and allowed him to take control of the match. He eventually compiled a break of 91 to lead 4-2, which proved insurmountable for Ding.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash between Trump and Australia's Neil Robertson, who defeated Pang Junxu in a thrilling encounter. Robertson has been on a roll this tournament, having beaten several top players along the way, and will look to make it two finals appearances in three years.
Trump's teammate Shaun Murphy also reached the semi-finals with a 6-3 win over Zhang Anda, marking his first appearance in the last eight since 2017. He will face fellow former UK champion Mark Selby in a battle between two of the game's most experienced players.
Trump himself credited his improved timing and confidence for his success, stating that he had been finding "the confidence to go for it" at crucial moments during the match. The win has reinvigorated Trump's title hopes, but he will face stiff competition from Robertson in the semi-finals.
The UK Championship semi-finals are expected to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with all four players having produced some outstanding performances throughout their respective matches.
. Two years ago he got beat pretty bad and now he's the one doing the beating? Not saying Ding isn't a great player or anything... but maybe Judd just finally figured out his game? And can we talk about how much I love watching Shaun Murphy play? He's like the ultimate underdog story - from being stuck in last place to suddenly becoming a semi-finalist 
. Anyway, it's gonna be super interesting to see what Robertson has up his sleeve against Trump... might just have to stay up late for this one 
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! He's been struggling lately but came back super strong against Ding. 73 break was insane 
. And now he's in the final four, that's awesome. Robertson is tough opponent, I hope Trump can take him down 
. Shaun Murphy made a great run too, first semi-finals since 2017. This tournament is gonna be epic! Can't wait to see who will lift the trophy 
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I think it's crazy how Judd Trump has come back strong after that tough loss two years ago 
. His 73 break was insane! 
. I'm curious to see how Neil Robertson will do against Trump in the semis 
. Hopefully it'll live up to the hype! 
. This whole thing feels like it's gonna be a total snooze-fest with Trump and Robertson going head-to-head 
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He was written off after that loss to Ding two years ago, but he's been on fire lately and proved everyone wrong again 
That 73-break was insane! I think Neil Robertson is gonna give him a run for his money in the semis though - those Aussie snooker players are always so consistent 
Shaun Murphy's also got a good shot at making it to the finals, he's been playing some great stuff lately 
he played so calm and collected even when Ding was putting pressure on him. Now he's facing Neil Robertson, it's gonna be a tough one, but if anyone can do it, it's Judd! 
. And now he's got his sights on the title, with Robertson waiting in the wings... those two are going to go head-to-head in an epic battle of pool 
! I'm also loving Shaun Murphy's run so far - he's definitely got what it takes to make a deep cut in this tournament 
. Ding Junhui was really tough to beat, but Trump just found his groove at the right moment. I'm loving the confidence boost for him, it's infectious 
it's gonna be so intense!
I mean, Trump himself said he improved his timing and confidence, but what about the break that was manipulated by the refs? 
we can't rule out any variables here 
. And have you seen Shaun Murphy's semi-final opponent Mark Selby? That's like a match made in... well, not heaven, maybe some other realm 
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. The stage is set for an epic battle between these four players, I can already feel the tension building 
. Now, let's see how he handles Robertson in the semis - that guy's been playing lights out all tournament long 
. robertson's gonna be tough to beat though... he's been on fire this tournament 
. And Shaun Murphy's back in the mix after that epic win over Zhang Anda 
i'm loving the drama leading up to the semis 
he really found his groove at critical moments like I said on this site before, timing and confidence are everything in cue sports!