Judd Trump lashes out at snooker rivals after crushing UK Championship victory
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World number one Judd Trump delivered a masterclass in attacking snooker to reach the UK Championship semi-finals, dispatching Zhang Anda 6-2 at York's Barbican.
The 35-year-old, seeking his first UK title since 2011, dominated the quarter-final match with a devastating display of break-building that left his Chinese opponent largely confined to his chair.
Trump's performance was nothing short of spectacular, opening with an 89 break before firing in three consecutive centuries of 126, 120 and 131 to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
The world number one then embarked on a remarkable run of 527 points without reply, coming close to Ronnie O'Sullivan's record of 556, before missing a red to the right corner on 61.
Judd Trump called out his snooker rivals in his post-match interview
PA
Despite Zhang claiming two frames and scoring a century of his own, Trump sealed victory with his fourth ton of the match.
Trump went on to throw some shade at his fellow players, telling the BBC: "I put the hard work in, everyone else is looking for some quick fix."
"Some players aren't willing to put the long hours in and to get to the top you have to do that.
"I do need to pace myself sometimes, but I still know after this tournament finishes, whether I win or lose, I have to get back on the practice table."
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The performance marked a remarkable turnaround for Trump, who had struggled in his earlier matches in the tournament.
Reflecting on his resurgence, Trump acknowledged the significance of his narrow escape against Higgins.
He said: "I dodged a bullet against John and sometimes when that happens you feel like you've got another life."
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Zhang Anda largely took a backseat and watched as Judd Trump cleaned up
PA
The Bristol-born player expressed confidence in his improving form, adding: "I knew my form wasn't far away, just sometimes I've been a little bit too cagey.
He faced difficulties in his opening match against Neil Robertson and narrowly survived a final-frame decider against John Higgins in the second round.
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Judd Trump was relentless during his victory over Zhang Anda
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The return to his devastating best form suggests Trump has overcome those early tournament challenges, displaying the kind of snooker that has made him the world's top-ranked player.
"Today I felt a lot better than yesterday and the day before."
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