Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
The 2023 World Snooker Championship witnessed a jaw-dropping moment when Judd Trump executed an astonishing lucky break during his semi-final showdown with Mark Williams. Trump, chasing his second world title, has been a strong contender for the championship crown.
Unbelievable Fluked Pot
During the seventh frame, Trump managed to escape a seemingly insurmountable spot. Positioned behind the green ball at the top of the table, the 2019 world champion struck the cue ball off the top cushion, sending it toward a cluster of reds.
Incredibly, one of the reds bumped by the cue ball began rolling toward the bottom right pocket and eventually dropped in after rebounding off the jaws. The likelihood of Trump poting a red was minimal to say the least, let alone executing such a spectacular trick shot.
Stunned Commentators
The match officials were left speechless. John Virgo described the move as “unbelievable” and said, “He can’t see a ball so it’s down to the hit and hope [Trump then plays the shot…] Can you believe it? Can you believe it! That’s snooker folks!”
Trump’s Leap Forward in the Match
Trump and three-time world champion Williams were deadlocked at three frames each when he pulled off the fortunate shot. ‘The Ace in the Pack’ claimed the frame, setting himself up perfectly for the final frame of the match, which he also won. This gave him a substantial overnight lead of 5-3.
Reacting to the day’s play, snooker legend Steve Davis commented during the BBC’s coverage, “It’s difficult to get a grip of that first session. Judd found a way to be 5-3 in front. Mark won’t be very happy. It was a bad session to lose and come out behind. Judd’s got the springboard now to maybe open his arms a bit and show a bit of class. He’s got the advantage and he’s got the first crack at getting ahead of his opponent.”
Other Semi-Final Highlights
In other action at the Sheffield-based tournament, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Zhao Xintong are locked at 4-4 following the opening session. The duel between the seasoned veteran and the rising star saw Zhao race to a 2-0 lead before O’Sullivan battled back and seized control of the encounter.
The Chinese player, determined to maintain parity heading into Friday’s action, fought back with a brave final-frame win to level the match at four-all.