World number one Judd Trump overcame a spirited comeback from Shaun Murphy to secure a thrilling last-16 victory and progress to the quarter-finals of the World Championship.
Trump appeared on course for a comfortable win with a commanding 12-6 lead, but a missed red into the middle pocket allowed Murphy to rally and claim four consecutive frames.
Nevertheless, the 2019 world champion kept his composure to clinch the 23rd frame and seal a 13-10 success, setting up a quarter-final clash against either 2023 champion Luca Brecel or 2016 finalist Ding Junhui.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump achieved the milestone of 100 century breaks in a single season a feat that earned him a £100,000 bonus. The 35-year-old also has the chance to become the first player to earn over £2 million in prize money in a single season if he captures the world title, which carries a £500,000 winner’s cheque.
Speaking to BBC Two, Trump said: “Shaun played unbelievably for four or five frames and I started to get a bit concerned, but I had to stay confident and trust myself in that final frame.
“In the past, I used to be quite critical of myself, but I’ve grown mentally stronger and now view defeats as valuable lessons rather than setbacks.
“I’m more confident this year, my ball-striking feels a lot sharper, and I generally have greater belief and calmness.”
Regarding his hopes of claiming a second world title, Trump added: “Every day now it’s about focusing on the next session.
“It’s only going to get more difficult from here. Playing Shaun this early, especially considering his form, made it a very tough match.”
Si Jiahui edges Woollaston to book quarter-final place
Meanwhile, China’s Si Jiahui also advanced to the last eight after a 13-10 triumph over England’s Ben Woollaston, who had caused an upset by defeating fourth seed Mark Selby in the opening round.
Si, who famously reached the semi-finals two years ago before losing 17-15 to eventual champion Luca Brecel after leading 14-5, now awaits either Ronnie O’Sullivan or Pang Junxu in the quarter-finals. O’Sullivan leads 12-4 and requires just one more frame when their match resumes at 19:00 BST.
Woollaston, currently ranked 44th in the world, admitted he squandered a significant opportunity, having fought back from 9-7 down to level at 10-10, only to lose the final three frames.
He reflected: “At 9-7 down, I couldn’t believe I was behind because there were so many frames I should have won realistically, I should have been leading 10-6.
From 10-10 onwards, Si played superbly. His long-potting was exceptional and while I dominated the tactical exchanges for much of the match, I couldn’t capitalise on my chances when it mattered.”
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