Champion of Champions snooker 2023: Judd Trump claims whitewash victory over Baipat Siripaporn

Judd Trump booked his place in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Champion of Champions with a dominant 4-0 victory over Baipat Siripaporn on Thursday in Bolton.

Trump, who was beaten by Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final of last year’s tournament, was knocked out of the International Championship in Tianjin by Stephen Maguire last week.

Despite that, it has been an excellent few months for the Englishman, who admitted after seeing off Baipat that he felt like he was close to his very best.

Trump said: “I feel close. Every time I get in I feel like I’m going to score heavy and every time I push I feel like I can score. I feel like there’s always more in the tank at the moment.

“There were times when I was enjoying it. But there were times when I wasn’t. When you’re winning it’s such a nice feeling on and off the table.”

Baipat had qualified for the tournament after she claimed victory at the Women’s World Championship back in February.

And the Thai player started the brighter of the two in the match, draining a long red to the bottom-left corner.

Despite that, she couldn’t make good her opportunities at the start of the frame, with Trump also leaving some balls on the table.

With the pair trading visits, Trump would soon find his groove, capitalising on a mistake before claiming the opener.

Trump then took a 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes of play, with Baipat again unable to take advantage of a mistake.

So far this season, Trump has been in excellent form, having claimed victory at the English, Wuhan and Northern Ireland Opens.

He has recorded 43 centuries this term and was keen to produce his 44th for the fans inside the University of Bolton stadium, picking off several balls before mounting his charge for a ton.

But he couldn’t quite get there, leaving a blue just shy of the right-middle. It would not matter, with Baipat conceding the frame to give Trump a 3-0 lead.

Trump would, however, eventually secure his 44th century of the season and march into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory.

Next he will play the winner of the day’s afternoon match between Shaun Murphy and Gary Wilson.