The remarkable stat ahead of John Higgins v Judd Trump semi-final at European Masters snooker – ‘An incredible occasion’
Judd Trump has paid a glowing tribute to fellow snooker icon John Higgins ahead of their latest fascinating duel at the European Masters semi-final in Nuremberg on Saturday by describing their matches as “some of the best of all time”.
“It is always an incredible occasion against him, and always a game I cherish,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
He also reeled off five straight frames from 4-0 down against a dazed Shoot Out winner Chris Wakelin in the last 32, including a closing 100 knock in the final frame.
Trump and Higgins memorably contested two astonishing world finals in 2011 and 2019.
‘Immaculate snooker’ – Higgins knocks in second century of match with Murphy
Higgins claimed his fourth world title with an 18-15 win 12 years ago with Trump avenging that loss by producing some awe-inspiring form in an 18-9 triumph on the second occasion that saw him compile seven centuries with Higgins contributing four.
Another remarkable stat revolving around their latest meeting is their career head-to-head stats over the past 15 years.
Since the duo first met in the semi-finals of the 2008 Grand Prix in Glasgow – a match won 6-4 by Higgins on his way to claiming the title in his home city with a 9-7 win against Ryan Day – their career head-to-head meetings are level at 14-14 each.
Higgins is priced at 11/10 in the betting markets with Trump a 4/6 favourite to reach the final of the season’s second ranking event.
‘Judd Trump is in PlayStation mode’
“We played each other a couple of weeks ago in China, and it is something I always get up for,” said Trump, who overcame Scotland’s 31-time ranking event winner with a 5-1 success in the final of a Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) Tour event in Huangguoshu earlier this month.
“The games always seem to be pretty close. Whoever plays their best snooker normally comes out on top, and it is always a great standard.
“Some of the best games I’ve ever been involved with have been against him and probably some of the best of all time. I think he enjoys me and I enjoy playing him.”
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