Stud Trump

Hello, my name is Imran and I have been fortunate enough to have been allocated the Saturday slot on this very bizarre blog. I'm a very uninspired person who has done very little in the past week other than watch Snooker on my impressively unimpressive television.

Forget Westminster Abbey, yesterday, all eyes were on the Crucible, Sheffield. Four of the game’s biggest names shot it out in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals. Proceedings started with the recently crowned China open champion Judd Trump, going head to head with former UK and Master’s champion, Ding Junhui. Trump, who was recently voted ‘most fanciable player’ by the women of China, ended the day level 12-12 with Enter the Dragon, Ding Junhui. Both players exhibited a new brand of attacking Snooker, fearless, and gifted with an incontestable ability to pot, saw 8 breaks of 60 of above in the evening session.

The second semi-final in stark contrast was a much more tactical affair, as you would expect from two veterans and former World Champions. Three time King-of-the-Crucible John Higgins looked at one stage to fall 5 frames adrift of two time champion, Mark Williams. The Wizzard of Wishaw however had other ideas ending the day just 9-7 behind.

Both matches remain too close to call, although the level-headed Williams is a favourite to keep his cool against Higgins, you can’t rule out the Scottish cueman, known for his grit and determination just yet, expect this one to go down to the wire.

Tomorrow’s conclusion of the Ding-Trump semi whets the appetite, with two of Snooker’s most naturally gifted players playing at the top of their game. Trump responded brilliantly to stop a 5 frame rot from Ding and end the day level at 12 a-piece; it could be that show of character from the Bristolian which sees him through to the final.

If you’re a betting man (or woman) Betfair’s offer of 4/1 odds on Trump to lift the championship may be worth a shot. The exciting 21-year old made short work of previous champions Graeme Dott and Neil Robertson, and should he progress through to the final, there is no reason he shouldn’t be able to upset another past champion and lift his second consecutive ranking title.

One thing is for certain, Judd Trump is here to stay and will be a future champion; whether or not he will become one on Monday is more of an uncertainty.

I hope to see you next Saturday, and good luck with your bets!

Imran