Final date for Trump in cracker
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.
And an incredible Williams victory would have ensured a fitting all ‘Class of ’92’ final in a fairytale ending to the 30th anniversary since the legendary trio of Williams, Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins all turned pro.
But it was the relieved ‘Ace in the Pack’ Trump, 32, who will be fighting 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.
“He played unbelievable
and I just sat there and watched it. It would have made it easier to take because I wasn’t playing that badly.
“I was just praying he’d start missing them towards the end. I kind of got all of my luck at the end.”
The Bristol potter is just one win away from becoming only the seventh multiple Crucible winner.
He beamed: “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. I came here not expecting anything.
“It’s so tough to lose a game like that. To get over the line is something I’ll remember forever.”
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 Williams.