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Judd Trump claims Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters crown

Judd Trump produced a nerveless clearance in the deciding frame to beat Mark Williams 10-9 and win the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.

Judd Trump competes during an exhibition match between John Higgins of Scotland and Judd Trump of England in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province
Judd Trump competes during an exhibition match between John Higgins of Scotland and Judd Trump of England in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province Picture: AAP Image

Williams looked set to claim the £500,000 first prize in Riyadh, only to miss a mid-range red on a break of 62 in the decider, allowing Trump to step in with a brilliant 72.

Trump, who was checking flights home at 4-0 down to Wu Yize in his first match of the tournament but has now won 15 of the 16 he has played this season, told Eurosport: "I'm in shock.

"I struggled, Mark was much the better player. He was making breaks although the table was playing tricky. I don't deserve to win.

"It's not going to mean anything to him, but he was the better player – I just found something at the end.

"This is so special to win. I stopped breathing for the last five minutes of that frame but I managed to get over the line."

Williams, 49, was gracious in defeat, saying: "It was a fantastic game. We didn't play really well, to be honest, from the start, but towards the end it was really good.

"I nearly had a good break in the last, it was a red I fancied getting on 62 but it wasn't as if I twitched or anything. I hit it good and thought it was in but just shows what a champ he is, what a break he's made in the last frame there.

"For half a million quid, 62 behind, two reds safe – what can you say? Congratulations to him."

Trump led a low-scoring affair 4-1 before Williams reduced his deficit in style with back-to-back breaks of 121 and 132, although world number one Trump took a tense final frame of the session to lead 5-3.

Williams continued to score more heavily in the evening session and breaks of 101, 77 and a total clearance of 138 took him 9-8 in front, only for Trump to respond with a break of 90 – his highest of the match – to force a dramatic decider.


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