Trump Unleashes Masterclass: Three Centuries, One Message — He Wants That Third Crown
The world number one has made his intentions crystal clear: Judd Trump is hunting a third Masters crown, and on this evidence, he looks every inch a champion in waiting.
Under the bright lights of Alexandra Palace, Trump delivered a commanding performance to sweep aside Ding Junhui 6–2, producing a display that combined ruthless scoring with complete authority whenever the chance arose. It was a result that raised eyebrows given Ding’s pedigree on the sport’s biggest stages, but once Trump found his rhythm, the outcome felt almost inevitable.
Dubbed “The Ace in the Pack,” Trump lived up to his nickname in emphatic fashion, compiling a hat-trick of century breaks and barely allowing Ding a foothold in the contest. Each visit to the table carried a sense of inevitability. When Trump was among the balls, frames disappeared in a blur, his cue ball control pristine and his shot selection fearless yet precise.
While the scoreline may appear harsh, it reflected the fine margins at the elite level. A handful of loose safety shots from Ding proved costly, and against a player of Trump’s calibre, such lapses are ruthlessly punished. As Stephen Hampson noted, once Trump had opportunities, there was simply no better player to clear up. Ding fought gamely, but the world number one gave him little room to breathe.
More than just a win, this felt like a statement. Trump’s body language oozed confidence, his scoring power was relentless, and his tactical awareness matched his attacking brilliance. It was a reminder of why he sits atop the rankings and why many believe this could be his tournament to lose.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Mark Allen on Thursday, a test that promises far sterner resistance. Allen’s granite match play will demand patience and discipline, but if Trump can reproduce anything close to this level, he will take some stopping.
Three centuries. Total control. Pure swagger. This was Judd Trump at his absolute best — a performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the field. The world number one isn’t just participating at the Masters; he’s making it known that he wants that third crown, and he wants it badly.
