In an electrifying showdown at the World Snooker Tour UK Championship final in York, England, Judd Trump of England emerged victorious over his compatriot Barry Hawkins with a score of 10-8 on Sunday. This marks Trump's second UK Championship win, adding to his impressive tally of 30 ranking event titles.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions from the start. Trump took an early lead, dominating 5-3 and further extending his advantage to three frames with impressive breaks of 62 and 32. However, Hawkins was quick to respond, clawing back two frames to bring the score to 6-5.
Trump maintained his composure, securing three of the next four frames, including a pivotal break of 133 in the 12th frame, pushing his lead to 9-6. Not one to give up easily, Hawkins rallied with breaks of 75 and 82, narrowing Trump's lead to 9-8 and nearly forcing a decider in the 18th frame. A missed red to the left middle left Hawkins just short of another comeback.
Facing several perilous snookers, Trump skillfully navigated the pressure, ultimately potting a long-range brown to seal the victory. This triumph places him alongside legends like John Higgins, Stephen Hendry, and Ronnie O'Sullivan, who have secured more ranking event titles.
Reflecting on the intense final, Trump stated, \"It was so close and it looked like it could go 9-9. I was under a lot of pressure and I knew I had to take that chance, because he was playing so well. I slowed myself down and made sure of every single pot. There was no flair at all in that break. I just had to find a way to get the balls in the hole. At two snookers, I felt pretty safe and all of a sudden he was back in it. To pot the brown was such a relief.\"
Hawkins shared his disappointment but pride in his performance, saying, \"It has been a great week. If someone had said I would get to the final beforehand, I would have taken it. Once I was here in the final I wanted to win. I thought it was a great game. I think I missed the boat tonight, I probably should have levelled. I managed to get it together towards the end and felt good.\"
Reference(s):
Judd Trump edges Barry Hawkins to secure his second UK Crown
cgtn.com
