Luca Brecel outplays Judd Trump to reach English Open semi-finals, Mark Allen whitewashes Ashley Hugill

Luca Brecel dispatched Judd Trump in emphatic fashion to reach the 2022 English Open semi-finals, while Mark Allen’s impressive season continued.

Trump came into the match with a dominant head-to-head record, but the Belgian refused to let that affect his approach in Brentwood.

Brecel made a break of 62 before capitalising on Trump missing a crucial black off the spot to take the opener.

That miss would prove decisive and it was soon 2-0 as Brecel made a brilliant 135, leaving Trump with much to ponder.

There was a small lifeline in the third as Brecel saw a red stay out of the corner pocket, but Trump could not take advantage and it was 3-0 before long.

The interval could not come soon enough for Trump but not before a concession after another dominant frame from Brecel, leaving the Belgian one away from victory.

The break seemed to prove beneficial for the former world champion, who started the fifth frame with renewed energy and finally got off the mark with a quick-fire knock of 128 to reduce the deficit.

After making a 55 contribution in the sixth, Brecel looked to have the match in the bag until a missed red handed Trump a reprieve.

However, the Belgian soon trapped Trump behind the black, forcing a mistake and cleaning the colours to the blue to set up a semi-final meeting with Allen on Saturday.

Allen, the Northern Ireland Open and UK Championship winner, was in sensational form as he swept aside Ashely Hugill 5-0.

A confident Allen registered breaks of 62 and 61 on his way to taking the first frame, but Hugill was able to get some table time in the second with a 50 break.

A missed yellow, however, allowed Allen back into the frame and the Northern Irishman was able to take full advantage to double his lead.

Allen was flying, and a 109 break soon made it 3-0 and the writing looked to be on the wall.

A missed green in the fourth from Hugill paved the way for Allen to claim it ahead of the interval and Allen wasted little time wrapping up proceedings when the players returned, sealing the win with a break of 77.

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