Trump hails ‘incredible’ Masters atmosphere

Judd Trump paid tribute to the fans at Alexandra Palace after storming into the semi-finals of the snooker Masters with a 6-1 win over Kyren Wilson yesterday.

Trump shouted “Come on, baby!” to the raucous 2,000-strong crowd after setting up a last-four clash with either Mark Selby or Barry Hawkins.

The 32-year-old is bidding for the second Masters title of his career after previously triumphing in 2019.

Trump, pictured, said in his postmatch interview: “There’s a different energy this year – we all appreciate everything more because of what is going on.

“It feels like everyone wants to let their hair down, go to venues and see sport live and experience it all again.

“Everyone is happy to be allowed out to do what they want to do, and the players are feeding off that.

“There have been some incredible games and incredible atmospheres, the players are enjoying being out there.”

The result proved slightly flattering to Trump, who established an early lead with breaks of 68 and 74 before Wilson hauled back the deficit to a single frame.

Wilson looked set to level but ran out of position on a break of 53 and it proved the crucial moment in the match, as Trump responded with 50 to re-establish his two-frame cushion, then produced a stirring 76 in the next to move two from victory.

A missed red to the middle by Wilson gave Trump the opportunity to establish a 5-1 lead, and he wrapped up his emphatic victory in the next.

Meanwhile, Peter Lines has been fined £2,500 after accusing Xiao

Guodong of cheating and challenging him to a fight. The incident occurred following Xiao’s 4-3 victory over Lines in a qualifier for the 2021 Northern Ireland Open in Leicester in August last year.

Xiao’s team complained to the World Snooker Tour (WST) and the case was heard on December 16 by the disciplinary committee of snooker’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Lines’ early apology and “unblemished career” was taken into account by the committee.

The 52-year-old from Leeds, who won the UK Seniors Championship earlier this month, was also ordered to pay costs of £5,464.80. He has until January 28 to appeal.