England’s Judd Trump beats Mark Allen to claim first UK Championship title at York Barbican Centre
England’s Judd Trump put up a stunning show of quality snooker in the final of 2011 UK Championship against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen to claim his first ever UK title after ousting his opponent by the score line of 10-8, at the York Barbican Centre.
With this victory, Trump also pocketed a winner’s prize money of £100,000.
The Bristolian potter enjoyed a sensational 2011-12 snooker season from the very beginning. He clinched several events, including a couple of Players Tour Championship (PTC) and Premier League Snooker (PLS) events. Overall, his playing ability has increased
and he is considered to be one of the top potters of snooker today.
In the 2011 UK Championship, the left hander started his campaign playing in the first round against Wales’ Dominic Dale. After beating Dale 6-4, the 22-year-old played against the Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan and beat him 6-5 to face Stephen Maguire in the
quarters. Maguire could not stand a chance against the youngster and lost to him by 6-3.
The Bristolian cueman cruised into the semi-finals with high hopes where he faced Neil Robertson. The Englishman had a tussling fight against the Aussie but managed to defeat him 9-7 in the end to enter the ultimate battle ground at the York Barbican Centre
against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen.
Trump had a tough final encounter with Allen and came back from 1-3 to hit the title with 10-8. Mr. Haircut 100 smashed some excellent knocks of 70, 52, 75, 61, 109, 78, 74, 76 and 91 respectively, to nudge his opponent down.
Speaking to the media after winning the title, Trump said, “It feels amazing. It was Mark's first (ranking) final so I was surprised how well he played. If he keeps that up he'll have no trouble winning tournaments. At 8-3 I just tried to be patient and
wait for chances, but he didn't miss a ball. He was like a machine, he just kept making centuries.”
The champ added, “I had to make a good break under pressure to win because if it had gone 9-9 he would have been favourite. It's an unbelievable feeling to win this tournament. I needed to step my game up and I did it. All week I've had support from my family
and friends.”
Trump was an amateur before his career shifted when he won the 2011 China Open last year after ousting World Number One, Mark Selby, by 10-8 in the final. He continued his impressive play and surged into the final of World Championship at the Crucible against
world champion, John Higgins, but lost to the Scotsman.
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