Trump Goes To The Premier
Bristol teenager, Judd Trump, booked a spot in next season's Premier League with a cool performance in the final frame against Mark Selby at Crondon Park in Essex.
After securing the final space in the seven-man Winner's Group of the Championship League on Tuesday, the 19-year-old battled his way to finish third in the group and progress to the knock-out stage.
In the semi-final he faced local hero, Stuart Bingham who had finished second. Bingham, a member of Crondon Park won the opening two frames before Trump got into his stride to take the last three frames to reach the final.
World number four, Mark Selby stood between Trump and a place in the lucrative Matchroom promoted Premier League, and it was the former Masters Champion who took a two frames to one lead. Again, with his back against the wall, Trump battled to win a hard fought fourth frame before making a superb 63 break in the decider.
Trump, who lost his first match in the Championship League against Steve Davis on Monday was delighted to get over the line and spoke to Phil yates afterwards.
He said, "I struggled in the first match here this week. I couldn't get used to the table and Steve (Davis) played really well. I thought it would become just good practise for China next week".
"This is the best achievement in my professional career and I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It is completely different to what I am used to. It is a serious tournament but is more of an exhibition style, I just hope I get used to the shot clock", joked Trump who is not renowned for taking too much time over each shot.
A great result for the game, it seems a long time since the O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams era were winning titles as teenagers!
