Ding Junhui beat Judd Trump in the semi final of the International Championships in China today by 9-4.
It was semi final day at the International Championships in China today and what a display of snooker from the Chinese sensation, Ding Junhui.
In the past couple of seasons Ding has struggled with consitency but over the past 6 months or so he has become a very solid player once again. From the age of just 16, Ding has wowed crowds from every nation. With more tournaments being played in China than ever before Ding has now become one of the most popular celebrity sportsmen in that region.
The fans will have been delighted that Ding has gotten to the semi’s but they would of been cautious because Ding had a big opponent to play.
Judd Trump has probably had the most coveted seasons so far this season. He has reached two finals (one of which he won) and now the semi final here at the international championships. For anyone to beat Trump, they really needed to be on their game this week.
Shaun Murphy almost did it yesterday when it came down to the final black at 5-5. Luckily for Judd it was a miss from Murphy that gifted him the match.
The match today couldn’t of started any better for Ding today. He rushed into a 6-0 lead, which is almost unheard of against a player of Judd Trump’s standard. The tide changed though as Trump took 4 of the next 6 to trail 8-4 but with Ding only requiring 1 frame it was always going to be difficult for Trump.
Ding then went on in the next frame to win the match decisively by 9-4. A remarkable win for the home favourite.
Although World No 1 and 2 are playing tomorrow in the other semi final, it would appear that Ding is in the best form and perhaps favourite to win this title.