Trump Demolishes World Number One Zhao to Storm Into British Open Semi-Finals
The Pick: Trump to Win the British Open
If you weren't already on Judd Trump for the British Open outright, now is the time to reassess. The Bristol potter put in a masterclass on Friday evening, dismantling world number one Zhao Xintong 5-1 to book his place in Saturday's semi-finals — and he looked every inch the player who has banked 31 ranking titles along the way. Back Trump each-way or to win outright before the semi-final prices tighten further.
The Analysis
There is something about a wounded animal that makes it more dangerous, and Judd Trump is proving exactly that point at the Ricoh Arena this week. Zhao Xintong replaced Trump at the summit of the world rankings back in August, ending the Englishman's two-year reign at the top — and Trump has not been shy about admitting that the demotion lit a fire under him. "In the past when I have lost the number one spot or people put other players as the favourite, you don't have that as number one and have that same demeanour of wanting to prove everyone wrong or that I'm the best," he told Channel 5 after the match. When a player of Trump's calibre starts talking like that, bookmakers and opponents alike should be very, very worried.
The manner of Friday night's victory was every bit as convincing as the scoreline suggests. Trump opened the match with breaks of 101 and 57 to immediately seize control, and although Zhao responded with a century of his own to claw a frame back, that was as good as it got for the Chinese world number one. Over the final three frames, Trump held Zhao to a miserly 29 points combined — an extraordinary level of dominance against arguably the best player on the planet right now. Two further half-centuries from Trump ensured there was no route back. This wasn't a scrappy, lucky win; it was a controlled, clinical dismantling of the top seed.
Trump also spoke about the unique atmosphere of the latter stages of a tournament, when play condenses down to one or two tables and every shot feels amplified. "When it goes down to two or one table it is a completely different set-up and you feel like the tournament comes alive," he said. "In that kind of scenario I am so used to being out there and it gets the adrenalin going." That experience counts for a huge amount on a big stage. Trump has been in more ranking event semi-finals and finals than virtually any other player of his generation, and that composure under the lights is a genuine competitive edge.
The Semi-Final Landscape
Trump faces either Aaron Hill or Jak Jones in the last four on Saturday — a favourable draw on paper compared to the other half of the bracket. In the remaining semi-final, Mark Selby takes on Liam Highfield. Selby was in ominous form himself on Friday, whitewashing Jack Lisowski 5-0, while Highfield earlier defeated teenage sensation Stan Moody 5-2. A potential Trump vs Selby final would be a mouthwatering prospect — two former world champions, both clearly in form, with very different styles. Trump's free-flowing attacking game against Selby's granite-like defence and safety play. Get the popcorn ready.
Selby is never to be underestimated — he is a three-time World Champion and one of the toughest opponents in the game when he is grinding out results — but on current evidence, with Trump playing with this level of motivation and precision, the 37-year-old from Bristol looks the one to beat this weekend.
The Odds
Prices will vary across bookmakers and will shift after the semi-final draw plays out, but here is a general guide to outright winner odds heading into the last four. Always shop around — Betfred, Coral, and Bet365 typically cover snooker markets well, and it is worth checking Betway and 888sport for any each-way offers on ranking events.
| Player | Fractional Odds (approx.) | Decimal Odds (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Judd Trump | 4/6 | 1.67 |
| Mark Selby | 9/4 | 3.25 |
| Aaron Hill / Jak Jones | 5/1 | 6.00 |
| Liam Highfield | 6/1 | 7.00 |
Odds are indicative only. Always check your preferred bookmaker for current prices before placing a bet.
The Pick: Judd Trump to win the British Open at around 4/6 (1.67). Not a wildly generous price, but when a player of this quality is this motivated against this field, you take it. If you want value, a small each-way play on Mark Selby at 9/4 is worth considering as an insurance bet.
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