JUDD’S GNASH BANG WALLOP
‘Dentist’ Rory chews up Trump’s world title dreams
JUDD TRUMP crashed out of the Betfred World Championship last night in one of the tournament’s greatest-ever shocks.
The 27-year-old had arrived at the Crucible Theatre this year as the clear title favourite, tipped to match or better his run to the final in 2011.
But world No.2 Trump suffered a painful exit at the hands of Rory McLeod – a journeyman widely known as “The Dentist” on tour.
The 46-year-old McLeod is known for his slow play and, on his last visit to the Crucible, beaten opponent Ricky Walden described the match experience as being “like a trip to the dentist”.
The name has stuck, but for world No.54 McLeod – a player who has never won a major ranking event – this was a stunning upset win. McLeod, who won the match 10-8, was a 1,000-1 shot for the title when the draw was made.
And only next opponent Stephen Maguire had given him any chance against Trump. But it was another desperately disappointing Crucible defeat for Trump, who had enjoyed his best-ever season, with two titles and three more finals.
And his departure will give greater hope to Scot Maguire and also John Higgins, in the same half of the draw. Over the season, Trump’s average shot time (17.83 secs) is almost half that of McLeod (31.43).
But, looking like a man having root canal treatment throughout, he was denied any rhythm and even looked in pain towards the end of the match.
The drama was also dragged out, as the pair ran over their allotted finish time, with McLeod 9-7 up, and had to come back late last night to finish up.
Graeme Dott was compared to snooker legend Alex Higgins, after reaching the second round, as the former world champion, 39, beat two-time runner-up Ali Carter 10-7.
Carter said: “He was like Higgins at times. Even out of position, he pulled the pots out.”
Dott said: “I just love it here, If I played a home-and-away money match, I’d choose the Crucible over my own table.”