Judd Trump World Snooker Championship campaign got off to a dominant start as the World No. 1 established a 6–3 lead over Zhou Yuelong in their highly anticipated first-round clash. The match opened with Trump demonstrating his trademark precision and flair, storming to a 5–1 advantage with the help of a sensational 117 break.
Zhou Yuelong, however, wasn’t going down without a fight. The Chinese contender showed resilience in the latter part of the session, managing to claw back two of the final three frames. Despite his efforts, Trump remained firmly in control, showcasing superior safety play and tactical discipline that have made him a fan favorite and title contender.
Elsewhere at the Crucible, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan returned from a three-month break to take a narrow 5–4 lead against long-time rival Ali Carter. O’Sullivan opened with a 5–2 cushion, including a brilliant 107 break, but Carter countered with a century and tightened the margin heading into the next session.
Shaun Murphy, fresh off his Masters victory earlier this year, was in imperious form, leading debutant Daniel Wells 7–2. Murphy dazzled with two centuries and five half-century breaks, underlining why he remains one of the most feared competitors on the circuit. Wells managed two remarkable centuries himself, yet Murphy’s consistency proved overwhelming.
In other matchups, Zhang Anda took a 5–3 lead over Pang Junxu, while defending champion Kyren Wilson succumbed to the infamous “Crucible curse,” crashing out in the first round at the hands of Lei Peifan.
Fans also witnessed compelling performances from Ding Junhui, who defeated Zak Surety 10–7, and Si Jiahui, who outclassed David Gilbert 10–6, further heating up the competition.
As the Judd Trump World Snooker Championship campaign continues, fans can expect more fireworks and drama at the iconic Crucible Theatre. With the first round wrapping up and major contenders asserting their dominance, the stage is set for a thrilling run toward the title. Stay tuned.
