UK Championship 2024: Judd Trump Eyes Semi-Final Showdown with Rival Kyren Wilson

World number one Judd Trump delivered a scintillating performance at the 2024 UK Championship, defeating Zhang Anda 6-2 to storm into the semi-finals. 

The victory not only underlined Trump’s dominance but also set the stage for a potential showdown with reigning world champion Kyren Wilson, who faces Michael Holt later tonight.

An ‘Almost’ Record Breaking Performance

While Trump’s victory was decisive, it was his astonishing scoring streak that grabbed headlines. 

The Ace in the Pack racked up 527 unanswered points across the first five frames, coming tantalizingly close to Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record of 556 points without reply, set at the 2014 Masters. 

Trump’s streak ended in the fifth frame after a missed attempt on a tricky red, allowing Anda to pot his first ball of the match, much to the amusement of the York crowd. 

Despite this brief respite for Anda, Trump’s commanding play left little room for a comeback, securing him a spot in the final four.

Trump on Wilson: “You Need Someone on Your Heels”

With Wilson potentially awaiting in the semi-finals, all eyes are on the growing rivalry between the two snooker stars.

Reflecting on the importance of having a strong challenger, Trump told SportsBoom.com: “You need that. If Kyren wasn't there, then the lead at the top of the rankings would be astronomical.”

“You need someone on your heels to keep pushing you and make you keep going back to practise. We're both trying to probably push each other on at the moment.”

Wilson has bested Trump in two high-profile finals this season, in Xi’an and Belfast, narrowing the gap in their competitive dynamic. 

Trump praised the intensity of their matches, comparing it to his rivalry with Ronnie O’Sullivan from last season when both players were at the peak of their powers.

“In terms of snooker and the way people are looking at the [potential] game, I think it is great for everyone that there is kind of two players that are achieving some great stuff this season,” Trump said.

“You have still got a rivalry similar to probably me and Ronnie last season when we were both winning a lot. But in terms of history and stuff, it is not quite for me as big thing is some of the greats.”

The Class of 92 Still Holds Trump’s Focus

While Trump acknowledged the growing excitement around his rivalry with Wilson, he reiterated that his most anticipated matches remain those against the legends of the game – the Class of 92, including O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams.

“I think Ronnie [O’Sullivan], John [Higgins], and Mark [Williams] is the first three and then, to be honest, there’s so many – Neil [Robertson], [Mark] Selby, [Shaun] Murphy, Kyren [Wilson], Mark Allen. They're all in that same bracket, just after them [the Class of 92],” Trump explained.

His comments weren’t intended to diminish Wilson’s standing but to highlight the sheer depth of world-class talent in modern snooker. 

Trump also emphasised how rivalries like his and Wilson’s are crucial for keeping the sport fresh and competitive.

“Some of the greats are maybe just that little bit more inconsistent than they were, and it is important that new kind of rivalries come through and flourish,” he concluded. 

Semi-Final Awaits

As Trump awaits the winner of Wilson versus Holt, anticipation is building for what could be another chapter in a burgeoning rivalry. 

For Trump, it’s not just about titles – it’s about pushing boundaries and maintaining the competitive edge that keeps him at the top of his game.

Should the semi-final clash come to fruition, fans can expect fireworks in York as two of snooker’s brightest stars collide once again.