Judd’s got the Trump cards
by
PARTY-POOPER Judd Trump withstood one of the greatest Crucible fightbacks to reach a third Betfred World Championship final.
Triple champion Mark Williams bravely battled back from 9-2 and 12-5 down but suffered heartache with a painful 17-16 defeat in a Crucible cracker.
Welsh wizard Williams would have become the first player to ever overhaul a seven-frame Crucible semi-final deficit.
But it was the relieved Trump, 32, who will be fighting it out for the £500,000 top prize and a second Crucible crown over the next two days.
The world No.4 said: “There are just so many emotions going through me.
“I think that’s probably my best ever win. He was absolutely incredible.
“It was like playing a computer game on hard towards the end.
“I was just praying he’d start missing them. I kind of got all of my luck at the end.”
Golden oldie Williams, 47, would have become the oldest finalist since compatriot Ray Reardon 40 years ago.
“I hit him with everything and just came up a little short,” said gutted Williams, who levelled Stephen Hendry’s 20-year record of 16 centuries in a single World Championship.
“It was a great match to be involved in. It’s unfortunate it’s another decider I’ve lost.”
Williams looked a spent force at 12-5 behind.
But he finished the penultimate session just 13-11 down after a sensational spell.
Clearances of 138 and 137 put him ahead for the first time in the match 16-15 but he missed a tough black, after a fluked red, as Trump dug deep to force a dramatic decider.
And it was Trump who impressively held his nerve.