Judd Trump Breaks Earnings Record and Advances to Masters Semifinals

World number one Judd Trump has once again showcased his snooker prowess by advancing to the semifinals of the prestigious Masters tournament. In an electrifying quarterfinal match held at Alexandra Palace, Trump faced off against China's Ding Junhui, ultimately securing a 6-3 victory.

The match turned pivotal in the sixth frame when Ding missed an easy red, allowing Trump to seize control. From that moment, Trump displayed exceptional skill, achieving breaks of 125 and 75 to dominate the remaining frames. This win marked Trump's fifth consecutive frame, demonstrating his relentless form.

By reaching the semifinals, Trump has not only positioned himself for potential glory but also shattered Ronnie O'Sullivan's record for the most prize money earned in a season. Trump's total earnings for the 2024-25 season are nearing an impressive £1.3 million.

In the other quarterfinal, Kyren Wilson secured his place alongside Trump after defeating the reigning world champion, Luca Brecel, in a hard-fought 6-4 match. Wilson, who is seeking his first Masters title after finishing as runner-up in 2018, faced an unusual pre-match challenge—a sprained ankle sustained from an awkward position during sleep! Nevertheless, he showcased remarkable skill, delivering five half-centuries during the game.

The upcoming semifinals promise to be thrilling, with Trump squaring off against Wilson, while Shaun Murphy of England will take on Mark Allen of Northern Ireland.

Trump is not only focused on the Masters title but is also on track for extraordinary seasonal earnings. Having already clinched titles at the Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, and the UK Championship, he could exceed the £2 million mark by season’s end. Reflecting on his performance, Trump stated, "I’m somewhere near my peak... I believe I can rattle off five or ten frames in a row without missing a single ball."

With a first prize of £350,000 at stake, the excitement builds as fans eagerly await the semifinals this weekend. Will Trump continue his dominance and capture yet another title? The countdown has begun.