Mark Allen paid tribute to Judd Trump after beating the world No.1 in the quarter-finals of the British Open. Allen, 38, appeared to be cruising into the final four as he led 4-1, but then had to withstand a rally from his opponent before prevailing 5-3.
But despite the defeat, Trump still had the consolation of reaching a prestigious milestone in the second frame.
Trailing 1-0, he racked up a break of 101 for his 1000th career century.
He was on 94 was then faced with a tricky red, needing to use the rest. But he played it perfectly, setting himself up for an easy pink into the middle pocket before the crowd in Cheltenham rose in applause.
Trump, 35, is only the third player in history to achieve the feat. Ronnie O’Sullivan was the first star to hit four figures in 2019 and another snooker icon in John Higgins also reached the milestone when losing to Allen in the BetVictor English Open.
After his win, the Northern Irishman took to social media to offer his post-match thoughts. And he also jokingly referenced the fact that two players had now brought up their 1000th century when playing against him.
“Great to get the win against the world number one but massive well done to Judd Trump for reaching that incredible milestone tonight,” he posted on X. “Absolutely class to be part of it. Feel like I’m an easy target for these century records.”
Trump hasn’t yet commented on the achievement, but did repost a statement from the World Snooker Tour that read: “ONE THOUSAND CENTURIES FOR JUDD TRUMP. The Ace in the Pack becomes the third to complete the milestone, after Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins.”
Allen will now face Mark Selby in his semi-finals on Saturday. The Englishman was taken to the wire in his own last eight match against David Gilbert, taking a final frame decider to win 5-4.
‘The Pistol’ is looking to add to the Players Championship title he won earlier this year, and has thus far caught the attention in Cheltenham.
He’s criticised the standard of the tables at the tournament, arguing they “should be burned” before then notching a 147 in his opening 4-1 win over Ben Mertens.
His second-round clash against Chris Wakelin then went into the early hours of Friday morning. That proved Allen’s tightest contest so far, with the world No.3 coming through 4-3.
