Judd Trump’s pursuit of a second world crown gathered momentum when he eclipsed the fabled 100 century mark for the season, only the second player ever to manage the feat twice.
The landmark came in frame 16 of his second round clash with Shaun Murphy, a 132 clearance that extended his advantage to 10-6 and triggered a standing ovation.
Under a pre event incentive, World Snooker Tour immediately wired a 100000 pound bonus into Trump’s account, but the 35 year old insisted the money “means less than the rhythm I am in right now.”
He eventually sealed the match 13-10 after weathering a spirited late surge, setting up a quarter final with reigning 2023 champion Luca Brecel.
Analysts note that Trump now sits on 100 centuries for the campaign, only three shy of Neil Robertson’s single season record.
With potentially three matches remaining, the mark looks distinctly vulnerable.
Trump credited time spent refining his break off and cue action with coach Chris Henry for the consistency, explaining that “cue ball control on the first red dictates everything.”
Murphy, ever gracious, branded Trump “the most complete player in our sport today” and predicted further records will fall.
For viewers, the sense of watching history unfold frame by frame adds yet another compelling subplot to an already riveting championship narrative.
