The Xi’an Grand Prix final in China between Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson showcased a battle between two top snooker players, with Wilson ultimately edging ahead 5-4 in a close first session. The match was highly anticipated, with Trump reclaiming the world No. 1 spot and Wilson displaying his matchplay form as the reigning world champion. The best-of-19 frame final lived up to expectations, with both players demonstrating their scoring skills and tactical prowess before a sell-out crowd at the Qujiang E-sports Centre. The players were evenly matched, with only the odd frame separating them in the pursuit of the £177,000 first prize. Trump, fresh off a win at the Shanghai Masters, took an early lead with breaks of 114 and 62, only for Wilson to respond with his own solid play to keep the match tight.
The session featured back-and-forth play, with Wilson taking the lead at 4-3 thanks to impressive runs of 135 and 75, only for Trump to level the score at 4-4 with a break of 76. The final frame of the session was a tense tactical battle, with Wilson missing a crucial yellow that gave Trump an opportunity to capitalize. Trump managed to make a few key shots but ultimately missed a tough blue, allowing Wilson to clinch the frame and end the session with a narrow advantage. Both players were set to resume play later in the day, with Trump holding a 12-8 career head-to-head lead over Wilson. However, Wilson had previously beaten Trump in a thrilling 10-9 final at the 2015 Shanghai Masters, providing an added layer of competition and motivation for both players.
The stakes were high for both Trump and Wilson, with the winner set to take home a significant prize and bragging rights in the snooker world. Trump, aiming for back-to-back titles after his recent success in Shanghai, demonstrated his skill and determination throughout the match. Wilson, meanwhile, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, drawing on his experience as the reigning world champion to push Trump to his limits. The match was a true test of skill, strategy, and nerves, as both players fought for every frame and every opportunity to gain an advantage.
The atmosphere at the Qujiang E-sports Centre was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats as Trump and Wilson battled it out frame by frame. The sell-out crowd was treated to top-quality snooker from two of the sport’s best players, with each frame adding to the tension and drama of the match. As the final session got underway, both players knew that they would have to bring their A-game to secure victory and claim the title of champion. With the match finely balanced and the outcome hanging in the balance, every shot and decision would be crucial in determining the ultimate winner.
As the players continued to trade frames in the final session, the intensity and drama of the match only increased, with neither player willing to give an inch in their quest for victory. Trump and Wilson exchanged impressive breaks and tactical shots, keeping the outcome of the match in doubt until the very end. The pressure mounted as each frame brought them closer to the 10-frame target, with the tension reaching fever pitch as the match drew to a thrilling conclusion. In the end, only one player would emerge victorious, claiming the title and the substantial first prize, while the other would have to settle for second place and a hard-fought battle well fought.
