Elliot Slessor Stuns World No. 1 Judd Trump in Thrilling English Open Upset
Elliot Slessor pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the English Open on Thursday, edging out world No. 1 Judd Trump 4-3 in a tense last-16 encounter in Brentwood. Despite trailing 2-0 early in the match, Trump mounted a strong comeback, winning three consecutive frames to take a 3-2 lead and inch closer to victory. But Slessor, showing impressive mental strength, responded with back-to-back breaks of 79 and 64 to clinch the final two frames and seal his place in the quarter-finals.
In previous seasons, the 23rd-ranked Gateshead potter has faltered in high-pressure situations. However, Slessor has been open about working on his mental game with renowned coach Chris Henry over the past year and a half. That effort appears to be paying off.
“We’ve patched up some of the difficulties I had in my game,” Slessor said earlier this year. “At times, my mental approach held me back — I could just blow a gasket. I’m still not perfect, but I’m a lot better than I used to be.”
Trump, a 30-time ranking event winner, acknowledged he wasn’t at his absolute best but was quick to credit Slessor’s performance.
“I didn’t do too much wrong,” Trump told TNT Sports. “He played really well. He’s always had the determination — it was just about putting all the pieces together. When he’s calm and focused like that, he’s tough to stop.”
Slessor’s breakthrough victory now sees him move into the quarter-finals with renewed confidence, signaling he may finally be ready to contend at the top level.
