Judd Trump has secured his place in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship after a brilliant 13-10 victory over Shaun Murphy at the Crucible.
The world number one produced a spectacular performance in what was described by seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry as “a very, very high quality match”.
Both players displayed excellent form throughout the blockbuster second round encounter, with Murphy putting up a strong fight despite the defeat.
The match was worthy of a final, according to Hendry, with both players delivering exceptional snooker.
Judd Trump has secured his place in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship after a brilliant 13-10 victory over Shaun Murphy at the Crucible
PA
Murphy was philosophical in defeat, acknowledging the quality of his opponent.
“It’s the best I’ve ever played this year at the Championship and lost, I can’t criticise myself too much,” said the 2005 world champion.
He added: “I came up against the world number one, the best player on the planet, playing really well. All I can do is praise him, he played fantastically well. We’ll have to go again.”
The Magician had little to reproach himself for despite the frustrating outcome.
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The match appeared to be heading for a comfortable Trump victory as he established a 12-6 lead.
However, a surprising missed red to the middle pocket in the 19th frame changed the momentum.
Murphy seized his opportunity with stunning form, compiling breaks of 88, 72, 112 and 99 to reduce the deficit to 12-10.
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The comeback was halted, however, when the 2005 champion missed a relatively straightforward red after a brilliant opening.
Trump, despite being kept cold during Murphy’s resurgence, showed no signs of wavering form.
He produced a break of 58 before eventually closing out the match.
Judd Trump is through to the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship after beating Shaun Murphy
PA
Trump’s next opponent in the quarter-finals looks almost certain to be Luca Brecel.
The Belgian Bullet holds a commanding 12-4 lead over Ding Junhui heading into the final session of their second round match.
The quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship are set to get underway on Tuesday.
