Trump to play Page in World Open semis as Ding faces Robertson

Defending champion Judd Trump set up a last-four clash with 22-year-old Welshman Jackson Page at the World Open in China, while home favourite Ding Junhui will face Neil Robertson in the other semi-final.

Trump, who won the last edition of the tournament – held in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, overcame Kyren Wilson 5-2 in Yushan. With the quarterfinal level at 2-2, the world No 2 clinched frame five on the black after benefiting from a couple of flukes before completing the job thanks to halfcentury breaks of 59 and 63.

“It is nice to get a run here and I feel a lot more excited to play snooker than the last three or four seasons,” Trump said.

World No 52 Page, who eliminated former world champions John Higgins and Mark Selby en route to the last eight, made a break of 140 during his 5-2 success over Elliot Slessor.

“I think Jackson has played brilliantly well, he’s scored heavily,” said Trump. “From what I’ve seen, him and Ding have been the players of the tournament.”

Ding delighted the Chinese crowd by firing in breaks of 73, 74, 135 and 102 during a 5-0 whitewash of Ronnie O’sullivan’s conqueror Hossein

Vafaei. Hundreds of fans gathered on the streets of Yushan to watch their hero in action against Iranian Vafaei, with the match broadcast on a big screen.

Robertson, the 2010 world champion, awaits Ding after breaks of 127 and 115, plus two 87s and a 79, saw him defeat Barry Hawkins 5-2. If the Australian wins the event, he will retain his top-16 ranking and avoid a trip to World Championship qualifying.