WORLD champion Kyren Wilson got the better of Judd Trump in a third consecutive final to claim a thrilling Players Championship success in Telford.
Wilson had defeated Trump to take Xi’an Grand Prix glory and the Northern Ireland Open title in 2024, but required a deciding frame to get the better of the world number one in Shropshire.
3
3
3
A nip-and-tuck final swung wildly at its conclusion with Wilson 8-5 and 9-7 ahead before Trump responded, but ‘The Warrior’ stood firm to win 10-9 after he claimed the final frame by a 69-30 score.
Trump quickly moved 2-0 ahead early on, but it was not a sign of things to come as after Wilson levelled, the final stayed tight until the midway point of the match.
A changed white ball during the 10th frame sparked a momentum shift as Wilson rattled off three consecutive half-century breaks to move within two frames of victory, but Trump dug deep to show his class and a first century of the final forced a decider.
With tension high, simple pots were missed by both players before Wilson provided composure at the critical moment to continue his masterful season and build momentum before the defence of his world title at the Crucible.
Incredibly, it is Wilson’s 10th ranking title win – putting him level with legend Jimmy White.
Five of those 10 have come in a final against Trump.
Afterwards, Trump said: “It was a difficult game, it wasn’t like the rest of the tournament.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
“The white was just very light, it was kind of taking off like a ping-pong ball. I thought it was going to be a brilliant standard, and it kind of bogged us both down a little bit.
“I had my chance, but well done to Kyren and his family. I look forward to the next one.”
Wilson reacted: “Every credit to Judd for speaking so well, he’s just shown what a class act Judd is.
“It’s so special to lift trophies. It was mentioned this week that if I won, I would go level with the legend Jimmy White on 10 ranking titles. For me growing up, watching a legend like Jimmy, to be level with him is a dream come true.
“Judd hit the nail on the head. I feel like it’s a good, healthy rivalry, it’s just a shame we couldn’t peak like we have done all week.
“Any time you beat somebody like Judd, he’s so far ahead of me in ranking titles I’ve got to try and make the most of these ones when I get a chance.
“We’re a couple away now from the World Championship. It gives me a bit of confidence going into that.”
