Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Northern Ireland Open: Kyren Wilson hammers Judd Trump in Belfast final

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Kyren Wilson claimed his first Northern Ireland Open title by beating world number one Judd Trump 9-3 in Belfast.

The reigning world champion got off to a blistering start at the Waterfront Hall as he reeled off seven frames in a row.

The 32-year-old was able to see out the final in the evening session.

Wilson, who is world number two, said his rivalry with Trump is “good for the future of snooker”.

“What Judd has been achieving lately is inspiring, to be as dominant as he has been with the sort of level of standard on Tour these days is phenomenal,” Wilson told Eurosport.

“I don’t know where he gets the stamina from – it’s got to be applauded.

“He makes me raise my game and I’m glad I’m up there and competing.”

Wilson, 32, hit breaks two breaks of 77, 58, 81 and 88 as he raced into a commanding lead.

Trump, who has won the Alex Higgins trophy for a record four times, managed to halt Wilson’s momentum by pinching the final frame of the afternoon session.

However, knowing he required just two frames to win, Wilson was able to relax into the final session.

The pair, who also met at the Xi’an Grand Prix final in which Wilson won, exchanged early frames before Trump recorded his third frame with a superb break of 143.

But Wilson secured victory in style with a break of 119 in Belfast.

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