Judd Trump secured a hard-fought 5-2 victory over Anthony McGill, setting up an exciting last-16 clash with John Higgins at the Wuhan Open. This matchup is anticipated due to the fierce rivalry between Trump and Higgins, who have faced each other numerous times in high-stakes matches, including two World Finals in 2011 and 2019. While Higgins won the first encounter, Trump claimed victory in the latter, adding further intensity to their competitive history.
In their recent encounters, Trump has enjoyed a significant advantage, winning ten of their last eleven matches, which places him ahead in their head-to-head standings. However, during his match against McGill, Trump admitted he was not at his best and recognized the need to elevate his performance against the formidable Higgins. The 31-time ranking event winner Higgins advanced after defeating Zak Surety 5-3, setting the stage for a highly competitive showdown.
Trump expressed his thoughts on the upcoming match, saying, "I find it easier playing John because I know I have to play at my absolute best to stand a chance." He acknowledged Higgins' current form and emphasized that improvement would be necessary for him to secure a win. Reflecting on their rivalry, Trump noted that their matches have produced some of the most memorable moments in his career, highlighting the significance of their encounters.
In other matches, China's Ding Junhui continued his impressive form with a 5-2 win over compatriot Yuan Sijun, showcasing his skill with breaks of 58, 95, 110, and 77. He will next face Chris Wakelin, who dominated David Lilley with a 5-0 victory. Ding remarked on the rising standard of snooker in China, stating that Chinese players are enhancing their technical skills and gaining valuable experience, which is evident in their increasing competitiveness in various events. Meanwhile, Jack Lisowski delivered a stellar performance, defeating world finalist Jak Jones 5-1, which included impressive century breaks of 136 and 130. Lisowski will face Wu Yize in the next round.
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