YORK — Defending champion Judd Trump produced a commanding performance to sweep aside the challenge of three-time winner Ding Junhui, securing a 6-2 victory to book his place in the semi-finals of the UK Championship. In a match that failed to reach the dramatic heights many had anticipated, Trump’s superior scoring power and tactical control proved decisive, ending Chinese superstar Ding’s hopes of a fourth title at the Barbican Centre.
The result marks a significant statement of intent from ‘The Ace in the Pack’, who is now just two wins away from capturing his fourth UK Championship crown. For Ding Junhui, the defeat is a painful reminder of the fine margins at the sport’s pinnacle, as his quest to end a seven-year ranking title drought on British soil continues. The atmosphere was electric with support for both players, but it was Trump who consistently channeled the energy into his game, leaving Ding to ponder what might have been.
A Dominant Start Sets the Tone
From the opening frame, Trump signaled his intent. A break of 54 was enough to take the first, immediately putting Ding under pressure. The second frame followed a similar pattern, with Trump compiling a more substantial run of 81 to double his lead. Ding, a legend of the game in China and a beloved figure in York, struggled to find any rhythm or fluency, his usually pristine long potting deserting him at crucial moments. Trump, in contrast, was clinical, capitalizing on every half-chance presented to him.
The third frame offered Ding a lifeline as a missed red from Trump allowed him a clear opportunity at the table. However, a break of 60 stalled, and Trump demonstrated his renowned counter-attacking prowess, clearing with a superb 67 to steal the frame on the black and extend his lead to 3-0. The body language of both players told the story: Trump was striding confidently around the table, while Ding wore a look of increasing frustration. Trump later reflected on the importance of that moment, stating, "To go 3-0 up instead of 2-1 was massive. It gave me a huge cushion and allowed me to play with more freedom."
Ding's Brief Resurgence Halted
To his immense credit, Ding Junhui refused to capitulate. He finally got on the board before the mid-session interval, crafting a fine break of 108—the only century of the match—to trail 3-1. The crowd roared its approval, hoping this was the spark for a classic comeback. After the break, Ding continued his fightback, taking a scrappy fifth frame to close the gap to 3-2. Suddenly, the momentum appeared to be shifting, and the prospect of a tense evening session loomed.
Any hopes of a Ding revival were swiftly extinguished by Trump’s relentless quality. The defending champion responded to the lost frame with a devastating display of break-building, effectively shutting Ding out of the contest. The key areas where Trump established his dominance included:
"His long potting was exceptional today. Every time I left him a chance, he seemed to punish me. I couldn't find my safety game to keep him out," a dejected Ding admitted in his post-match interview.
- Long Potting: Trump’s success rate with long-range efforts was notably higher, giving him first access to the table and opportunities to build substantial breaks.
- Safety Play: When not in amongst the balls, Trump’s tactical game was tight, repeatedly leaving Ding snookered or with no viable attacking option.
- Break-Building Momentum: After Ding closed to 3-2, Trump’s response was immediate and decisive, halting any shift in momentum dead in its tracks.
Trump Accelerates to the Finish Line
Reasserting his authority, Trump won the sixth frame with a break of 72, restoring his two-frame advantage at 4-2. He then moved one frame from victory with a more fragmented but equally effective 58 in the seventh. The eighth and final frame was a formality, as a deflated Ding offered little resistance. Trump sealed the 6-2 victory with another confident contribution, punching the air as he booked his spot in the last four. The victory was a comprehensive one, built on a foundation of superior all-round play.
The statistics underscored Trump’s dominance. He finished with five breaks over 50 compared to Ding’s two, and his pot success rate and safety success rate were significantly higher. Trump acknowledged the peculiar nature of the contest, saying, "It was a strange match. It never really flowed for either of us, but I managed to win all the important frames and the scrappy ones." He also paid tribute to his opponent, adding, "Ding is a class act and a great champion. It’s always tough playing him, especially here where he’s so popular, so I’m very pleased with how I handled the occasion."
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Title
With this victory, Judd Trump advances to face Mark Selby in what promises to be a titanic semi-final clash. Selby, a two-time UK champion known as ‘The Jester from Leicester’, presents a formidable and contrasting challenge with his renowned tactical grit and match-play prowess. Trump will be keen to maintain the high standard of play he displayed against Ding, particularly his heavy scoring. He noted the challenge ahead, stating, "Selby is one of the toughest competitors in the game. It will be a completely different game to today—very tactical, very mental. I’ll need to be sharp from the start."
For Ding Junhui, the search for a first ranking title since the 2019 UK Championship goes on. While his performance in York showed glimpses of his brilliant best, particularly in his century break, consistency against the very top players remains elusive. He will now regroup and turn his attention to the upcoming Masters and the rest of the season, with the goal of returning to the winner’s circle stronger than ever.
Conclusion: A Statement Made
Judd Trump’s 6-2 dismissal of Ding Junhui was more than just a quarter-final win; it was a declaration of his title credentials. In a tournament where he has already shown resilience and flair, this performance against a fellow former champion demonstrated his ability to control a big match from the front and suppress a comeback. As the UK Championship reaches its climax, Trump has firmly positioned himself as the man to beat. His blend of explosive break-building and hardened match temperament makes him a formidable opponent for anyone left in the draw, and he will enter his semi-final with Mark Selby full of confidence and momentum.
