In an electrifying showdown at the World Snooker Tour UK Championship final in York, England, Judd Trump edged out Barry Hawkins 10-8 to claim his second UK Championship title! 🎉🏆
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric as fans watched two of England's snooker titans battle it out on the green baize. Judd Trump, known for his flair and precision, faced off against the ever-resilient Barry Hawkins in a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. 🎱🔥
Trump started strong, leading 5-3 before the evening session. He extended his advantage with impressive breaks of 62 and 32, showcasing his masterful control over the cue ball. But Hawkins wasn't backing down! He fired back with two consecutive frames, narrowing the gap to 6-5 and reminding everyone why he's a force to be reckoned with.
The tension ramped up as Trump continued his assault, snagging three of the next four frames, including a jaw-dropping break of 133 in the 12th frame. With a 9-6 lead, it seemed like victory was within reach. But in true underdog fashion, Hawkins staged a comeback, delivering breaks of 75 and 82, pulling the score to a nail-biting 9-8.
In the 18th frame, Hawkins had a chance to push the match to a decider but missed a critical red to the left middle pocket. The drama peaked when Trump found himself navigating perilous snookers set up by Hawkins, who extracted four foul points. But Hawkins needed a second snooker to turn the tables, and despite his valiant effort, it wasn't enough.
Seizing the moment, Trump nailed a long-range brown, sealing his 30th ranking event title! 🏆 Only legends like John Higgins, Stephen Hendry, and Ronnie O'Sullivan have won more ranking events—a testament to Trump's rising legacy in the snooker world.
"It was so close, and it looked like it could go 9-9," Trump admitted after the match. "I was under a lot of pressure and knew I had to take that chance because he was playing so well. To pot the brown was such a relief."
Hawkins reflected on the intense match, saying, "It has been a great week. Once I was here in the final, I wanted to win. I think I missed the boat tonight; I probably should have leveled. But I managed to get it together towards the end and felt good."
This epic duel at the Barbican Centre wasn't just a battle between two players—it was a thrilling chapter in snooker's rich history, leaving fans eager for more. With his second UK Championship under his belt, Judd Trump continues to shine as one of the sport's brightest stars. 🌟
Reference(s):
Judd Trump edges Barry Hawkins to secure his second UK Crown
cgtn.com
