YORK, England — The 2025 UK Championship ignited in spectacular fashion at the York Barbican on Tuesday, as three of the sport's modern titans—Judd Trump, John Higgins, and Shaun Murphy—all navigated their first-round tests to book their places in the last 32 of snooker's second-most prestigious ranking event.
On a day where the pressure of the triple crown format is at its most acute, the former champions demonstrated their class and big-match temperament, treating a packed audience to a masterclass in break-building and tactical nous. While the scorelines suggested comfortable progress, each match contained its own narrative of resilience and skill.
Trump Eases Past Debutant Jones
The 2011 and 2021 champion, Judd Trump, was first to stamp his authority on the tournament, dispatching Welsh debutant Jak Jones with a commanding 6-2 victory. Trump, who arrived in York on the back of a title win at the Champion of Champions, looked sharp from the outset, compiling breaks of 89 and 73 to establish an early lead.
Jones, competing in his first UK Championship proper, showed flashes of the gritty determination that has become his hallmark, but was ultimately unable to contain Trump's relentless scoring. The world number two sealed the match with a typically fluent century break, a 102, to send a clear message to the rest of the field.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Trump was pleased with his start. "It's always a bit nervy in the first round here, it's such a big event and everyone wants to do well. Jak is a tough, tough player so I knew I had to be on it from the start. To get a century to finish off is the perfect way to settle in," he said.
Higgins Survives Youngster's Fightback
Four-time winner John Higgins provided the afternoon session's drama, eventually overcoming a spirited challenge from 19-year-old Stan Moody. The 'Wizard of Wishaw' appeared to be cruising at 5-1, showcasing his legendary tactical acumen with a series of tightly-fought frames.
However, the young Moody, displaying a maturity beyond his years, dug deep to win the next three frames, including a superb break of 80, to close the deficit to 5-4 and threaten a monumental upset. With the pressure mounting, the 49-year-old Scot drew upon his vast experience to compose a match-winning 65 in the tenth frame.
A relieved Higgins acknowledged the quality of his opponent in his post-match interview. "Stan was fantastic there. At 5-1 you think you're home, but he showed no fear and potted some unbelievable balls. I had to really dig in at the end. It's a great win for me because he made me work for every single shot in that last frame. That's what this tournament is all about."
Murphy's Majestic Maximum Attempt
The 2020 champion, Shaun Murphy, delivered the performance of the day, thrashing Mark Davis 6-1 in a match that featured a thrilling maximum 147 attempt. 'The Magician' was in sublime form, racing into a 4-0 lead with a barrage of heavy scoring that left his experienced opponent with few opportunities.
The highlight came in the fifth frame, where Murphy potted 13 reds and 13 blacks, sending the York crowd into a hushed anticipation. Unfortunately, his attempt at a third career 147 came to an end when he failed to land perfectly on the 14th red, eventually settling for a break of 113.
Murphy's key strengths on the day were:
- Devastating long-potting, which created numerous scoring chances.
- Fluid cue action, resulting in three century breaks during the match.
- A positive, attacking mindset from the first ball to the last.
Reflecting on the near-maximum, Murphy stated, "Of course you're disappointed when you don't get over the line, but you can't be too greedy. The main objective was to win and get through to the next round, and I felt I played very well indeed. The table was beautiful, and it was just a joy to play out there today."
A Statement of Intent from the Veterans
The first-day successes of Trump, Higgins, and Murphy underscore a significant theme in the current snooker era: the enduring class of the sport's established champions. While a new generation of players continues to emerge, the triple crown events often see the most experienced players elevate their games when it matters most.
The UK Championship's long format, best-of-11 frames in the early rounds, provides a truer test of a player's all-around game compared to shorter events, favouring those with proven stamina and strategic depth. The victories today were built not just on potting, but on match management and mental fortitude.
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
With the first hurdle cleared, the focus now shifts to the last 32. Trump will face either China's Si Jiahui or Scotland's Stephen Maguire, a match that promises to be a severe step up in quality. Higgins is set for a blockbuster clash with either Jack Lisowski or Hossein Vafaei, guaranteeing a high-octane, attacking affair.
Murphy, perhaps with the most momentum, will await the winner of the tie between David Gilbert and Ryan Day. Based on his first-round performance, the 2005 World Champion looks a genuine threat to claim his second UK title. The opening day has set a formidable standard, and the message from the tournament's giants was clear: they are here to win.
As the afternoon turned to evening, the Barbican buzzed with the anticipation of more snooker drama to come. The first chapter of the 2025 UK Championship has been written by its former champions, but with reigning title-holder Ronnie O'Sullivan and world champion Mark Allen yet to enter the fray, the story is only just beginning.
