LEICESTER — World number one Judd Trump produced a blistering display of break-building, taking six consecutive frames to sweep past China's Zhao Xintong 6-2 and book his place in the final of the 2023 Champion of Champions. In a post-match interview, Trump assessed his own performance as being "at 10%" of his capabilities, a statement that will send a chilling warning to his rivals after such a dominant victory.
The match at the University of Bolton Stadium began competitively, with Zhao, the 2021 UK Champion, looking sharp and matching Trump in the early exchanges. The first two frames were shared, but from 2-2, Trump shifted through the gears with a ruthless efficiency that has become his trademark. The victory not only secures his spot in the final but also extends his remarkable winning streak, having already claimed consecutive titles at the English Open, Wuhan Open, and Northern Ireland Open in recent weeks.
A Turning Point and a Demoralizing Surge
The contest's pivotal moment arrived in the fifth frame with the scores delicately poised at 2-2. Zhao had built a promising lead and seemed poised to regain the initiative. However, a missed opportunity on a red to the center pocket proved catastrophic. Trump, seizing the opening with both hands, stepped in with a typically fluent break to steal the frame. This single moment seemed to drain the confidence from Zhao while simultaneously igniting Trump's afterburners.
From that point forward, it was a one-man show. Trump's relentless scoring power came to the fore as he rattled off frame after frame. The key elements of his dominant run included:
- A series of high breaks, including runs of 130, 91, and 84.
- Complete control of the table, leaving Zhao rooted to his chair for long periods.
Trump's ability to capitalize on even the smallest errors from his opponent was the defining feature of the match. He later remarked on the psychological impact of his play, stating, "When you're in the flow like that, you can see the opponent's head drop. You just have to keep applying that pressure and not let them back to the table."
Trump's Self-Assessment: "Only at 10%"
Perhaps the most striking comment of the evening came from Trump himself when asked to evaluate his current form. Despite the commanding nature of his performance against a top-tier opponent, the world number one was remarkably self-critical. "I'm probably only at 10%," he told ITV Sport.
He elaborated on this surprising assessment, explaining that while his scoring is potent, other facets of his game are still a work in progress. "My long potting hasn't been great this week, and my safety has been a bit hit and miss. I'm just relying on my scoring at the moment. If I can get the rest of my game up to the level of my break-building, then I'll be a tough man to stop." This level of introspection from a player at the peak of his powers underscores the relentless drive for perfection that defines champions.
Zhao's Frustration and Trump's Empathy
For Zhao Xintong, the match was a harsh lesson in the level of consistency required to challenge the very best. After a bright start, he was simply overpowered. The Chinese star, known for his own flamboyant and attacking style, was given few opportunities to express himself once Trump found his rhythm. The defeat continues a challenging period for Zhao, who has struggled to recapture the form that saw him lift his maiden ranking title two years ago.
Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for his opponent, showing a touch of class in victory. "It's tough when you're not playing your best and you come up against someone who is scoring heavily. You just have to sit there and wait for a chance that might never come. I've been there myself, and it's not a nice place to be," he said sympathetically.
A Formidable Final Awaits
By reaching the final, Trump sets up a blockbuster clash against the winner of the second semi-final between Mark Allen and Barry Hawkins. The prospect of facing either player presents a formidable challenge. Mark Allen, the defending Champion of Champions, is in superb form himself, while Barry Hawkins is a seasoned campaigner known for his gritty match-play and strong temperament in major finals.
Trump will be seeking his second Champion of Champions title, having previously won the event in 2021. A victory would cap an incredible autumn run and further cement his status as the dominant force in the sport. His path to the final has been impressive, showcasing his ability to win even when he feels he is not at his absolute best—a true mark of a champion.
Conclusion: A Warning Shot to the Tour
Judd Trump's 6-2 demolition of Zhao Xintong was a performance of controlled aggression and devastating break-building. The fact that he considers this level to be merely a fraction of his potential should serve as a stark warning to the rest of the snooker world. As he moves into the final, he carries not only the momentum of a winning streak but also the confidence of a player who believes his best is yet to come in this tournament. The Ace in the Pack is dealing a winning hand, and on current form, he looks almost unbeatable.
