BRITISH OPEN 2024: JUDD TRUMP ADMITS 1000TH CENTURY IS ON HIS MIND AFTER BEATING ROBERT MILKINS – ‘I TRIED FOR 147’
The 2024 British Open is underway and world No. 1 Judd Trump is off to a great start after recording his 999th career century. Trump moved into round two and took one step closer to the landmark with a 4-1 victory over Robert Milkins in Cheltenham.
Mark Williams is out after a 4-1 defeat against Rory Thor, while Mark Allen progressed after a closely fought match against Gary Wilson.
Judd Trump admits being so close to his 1000th career century was on his mind in the final frame of his 4-1 win over Robert Milkins in round one of the British Open.
Trump was just one century away from reaching the landmark after hitting his 999th in the opening frame of his match against Milkins.
He almost joined legendary pair Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins as only the third player to achieve the feat in the final frame, but had to settle for a break of 81 to seal the match.
“It was [on my mind, being so close to 1000 centuries], but I wanted to go out in style,” he told the WST.
“I tried to go for a 147. I think a couple of other people have already got there, and I just wanted to go one better than them. It did not quite happen but maybe in the next game.
“It is special [making 1000 career centuries], only two other players, and they are two of the best players of all time, so to be up there amongst them would be very special.
“I don’t just want to be amongst them, I want to one day be the best and take all their records for my own. There is always just that little bit of fire to try and go one step better than them.”
The 35-year-old registered his 999th century with a break of 104, and Trump was glad to have put his opponent under pressure so early in the match.
“It was good, I started off pretty well, made a century in the first frame and kind of put him under pressure,” he added.
“So, I did not really do a lot wrong from the start, and yeah I was trying to finish it off in style towards the end, but it did not quite happen. Overall, I am happy to be through to the next round.”