BERLIN — The stage is set for a heavyweight clash at the Tempodrom as world number one Judd Trump booked his place in the German Masters semi-finals with a commanding 5-2 victory over Xiao Guodong on Friday. His reward is a last-four showdown with Ali Carter, who overcame a spirited challenge from Fan Zhengyi, winning 5-3 in a tense quarter-final encounter.
Trump, the 2020 champion, produced a masterclass in break-building to dispatch Xiao in a match that featured a staggering four century breaks, three of which came from the cue of the world's top-ranked player. The performance served as a stark reminder of the form that has carried him to five ranking titles already this season, underlining his status as the man to beat in Berlin.
Trump's Century Blitz Seals Quarter-Final Berth
From the outset, Trump looked in imperious touch. He opened the match with a break of 130, immediately laying down a marker. Xiao, to his credit, responded brilliantly with a 102 of his own to level at 1-1. However, the Englishman then shifted through the gears, reeling off three consecutive frames with breaks of 54, 107, and 108 to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. Xiao managed to pinch the sixth frame to stay in contention, but Trump swiftly extinguished any hopes of a comeback, sealing the match with a decisive 78 break in the seventh.
Speaking to broadcasters after the match, Trump was pleased with his high-scoring performance but acknowledged the challenge ahead. "It was a good standard. When you play someone like Xiao, you have to score heavily because he’s such a good player and a great break-builder himself," he said. "I felt good out there. The centuries are flowing, and that’s what you need to do in these big tournaments."
The Captain Steadies the Ship Against Fan
In the other half of the draw, Ali Carter, a two-time World Championship finalist, demonstrated his trademark grit and tactical nous to see off China's Fan Zhengyi. The match was a scrappier affair compared to Trump's free-flowing display, but Carter’s experience proved crucial in the key moments. After sharing the first four frames, Carter managed to pull away, capitalizing on errors from the 2022 European Masters champion to secure his semi-final spot.
Carter, known as "The Captain," is enjoying a resurgent season and will be drawing confidence from his head-to-head record against Trump. While Trump leads overall, Carter has proven a tricky opponent in past encounters. Reflecting on his win and the upcoming challenge, Carter stated, "It’s always a battle against Judd. He’s the best player in the world at the moment, scoring for fun. I’ll need to be at my very best."
Semi-Final Preview: A Clash of Styles
Saturday's semi-final promises a fascinating contrast in styles and temperament. Judd Trump represents the modern, attacking archetype—a player capable of winning frames in a single visit with breathtaking, fluid potting. His key strengths heading into the match are undeniable:
- Relentless Scoring: His four centuries in the last 16 and three more against Xiao show he is at peak break-building form.
- Confidence: As the season's dominant force, he plays with a palpable aura of invincibility.
- Tournament Pedigree: He has triumphed here before and knows how to navigate the unique Tempodrom atmosphere.
Ali Carter, meanwhile, is the consummate competitor. His game is built on solid safety, tactical intelligence, and immense mental fortitude, honed through well-documented personal battles. To have a chance, Carter will need to:
- Disrupt Trump's Rhythm: He must make the frames messy and avoid an open-potting contest.
- Capitalize on Chances: Any half-opportunity Trump gives him must be converted into frame-winning contributions.
- Win the Tactical Battle: Use his experience to control the tempo and table positioning.
The Other Semi-Final: Si and Selt Jostle for Final Spot
While the Trump-Carter tie grabs the headlines, the other semi-final is equally compelling. China’s Si Jiahui, the young sensation who burst onto the scene at last year's World Championship, continued his impressive run by defeating home favourite Louis Heathcote 5-3. He will face England's Matthew Selt, who produced a stunning 5-1 demolition of former champion Kyren Wilson. Selt's performance, which included breaks of 135 and 130, signals he is a serious threat for the title himself.
Conclusion: A Tempodrom Spectacle Awaits
The German Masters has reached its business end, and the semi-final line-up guarantees high drama at the iconic Tempodrom. The clash between Judd Trump and Ali Carter is the standout fixture, pitting the world's most in-form player against one of the game's toughest and most respected campaigners. Trump will be the overwhelming favourite, but Carter has repeatedly shown he possesses the steel to upset the odds. With a raucous Berlin crowd adding to the atmosphere, this match is poised to be a classic encounter between two champions at the very top of their game. The winner will take a huge step towards claiming the £80,000 top prize and the prestigious German Masters trophy.
