Trump masters the palace

Judd Trump won his maiden Masters title last Sunday evening with a comprehensive 10-4 victory over seven-times champion Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Alexandra Palace.

Following his UK Championship success towards the end of 2011, it was 29-year-old Trump’s long awaited second ‘Triple Crown’ trophy.

Just like his previous victories during the week in North London, Trump made a fast start against The Rocket in the showpiece by taking a 2-0 lead with breaks of 89 and 87. He then doubled his advantage, going into the mid-session interval 4-0 up with a further contribution of 56.

O’Sullivan opened his account in frame 5, aided by a run of 69, he also held a small lead in the next, but an unexpected miss allowed Trump to counter with a 66 to restore a four-frame profit. At the time it felt like a key passage of play as O’Sullivan’s fledgling momentum was halted. Trump ended the afternoon session in a dominant position at 7-1 up.

Needing just three more for the biggest title and cheque of his career, Trump managed to keep his opponent at arm’s length despite a brace of centuries from a determined O’Sullivan; a break of 53 in the fourteenth frame getting him across the line with plenty to spare. He later lifted the beautiful Paul Hunter Trophy and pocketed a handsome £200,000 in front of a capacity audience.