Judd Trump makes blistering start to Wuhan Open snooker title defence with three centuries in opening win
Start as you mean to go on. World No. 1 Judd Trump began his bid to claim a third title of the new snooker season with three century breaks in a 5-1 win over Polish rookie Antoni Kowalski in the first round of the Wuhan Open.
Trump lifted the title with a 10-7 win over Ali Carter in last year’s final, and looks well-placed to challenge for the £140,000 first prize this year.
Trump has already lifted the Shanghai Masters and Saudi Arabia Masters and finished runner-up at the Xi’an Grand Prix as he bids to extend his outstanding start to the new campaign.
He also opened the match with an 85 break with Kowalski managing to claim the fifth frame to prevent a whitewash after falling 4-0 behind.
In other matches, International champion Zhang Anda eased past Dean Young 5-1 in the first round with Chris Wakelin running out a 5-1 winner over Haris Tahir in the last 64.
He will face David Lilley in the last 32 after the former World Seniors champion edged Allen Taylor 5-4 boosted by knocks of 99, 121, 53 and 59.
Page eliminates Robertson
Jackson Page booked his place in the third round with a 5-1 triumph over Neil Robertson.
The world No. 44 came out of the blocks firing, winning the opening frame 71-0 to storm into a 1-0 lead.
He also made a strong start to the second, going 12-0 up before handing Robertson a chance to build some momentum.
His Aussie opponent responded in style, producing a sensational break of 118 to win the frame and level the match at 1-1.
The third frame was a closely fought affair, with both players missing great opportunities to take a 2-1 lead, but Page eventually won it 64-56.
Action Jackson did not take his foot off the gas, producing a half-century to win the fourth and double his advantage.
He followed that up with a 70-48 triumph in the fourth frame to go 4-1 up in the match and move within touching distance of victory.
Page wrapped up a 5-1 win with victory in the final frame.
WUHAN OPEN LATEST RESULTS
First round
Jordan Brown 5-3 Zhou Jinhao
Yuan Sijun 5-0 Cai Wei
Martin O’Donnell 5-0 Huang Hao
Chris Wakelin 5-1 Haris Tahir
Zhang Anda 5-1 Dean Young
Judd Trump 5-1 Antoni Kowalski
Second round
David Lilley 5-4 Allan Taylor
Chris Wakelin 5-1 Haris Tahir
Long Zehuang 5-2 Dylan Emery
Jackson Page 5-1 Neil Robertson