On January 8, 2025, the Tianren Cup Lhasa Winter Snooker Challenge reached its climax with a thrilling match between China's top snooker player Ding Junhui and world number one Judd Trump. Ding Junhui staged an impressive comeback in this pinnacle showdown.
The match started with Ding Junhui showing extraordinary competitive form, taking the first game with a stunning single shot of 87 points. Trump responded immediately with the same score, and the two were temporarily tied.
The two world-class players played freely, providing a visual feast for the fans. Ding Junhui scored 109 points in the third game, while Trump was not to be outdone, blasting a high score of 109 points in the fifth game.
However, the real test came in the second half of the match. When Trump scored 105 points in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead, the situation was quite unfavorable for Ding Junhui.
But at this critical moment, Ding Junhui showed his astonishing mental fortitude. In the eighth game, he remained calm and composed, leveling the score with a single shot of 104 points. He then went on to score the highest point of the match with 118 points in the decisive game, ending the exciting duel with a winning shot.
"Today, Ding Junhui's performance was indeed outstanding, especially his grasp of key points, which is truly admirable," admitted Trump after the match. Indeed, in this match, Ding Junhui not only demonstrated his exquisite skills but also showcased the psychological quality expected of a world-class player. With three centuries, every shot was perfectly executed, and every point was filled with tension.
It is worth mentioning that this match took place at an altitude of 3650 meters in Lhasa. Maintaining such a high level of play in a high-altitude environment is itself a huge challenge. However, both players not only overcame environmental factors but also contributed five century breaks, a testament to their professionalism that deserves praise.
For Ding Junhui, the significance of this victory goes beyond the score itself. As the leader of Chinese snooker, he used this brilliant performance to prove his strength to the world.
Although this was a friendly match, the competitive level and mental quality displayed in the match will undoubtedly build more confidence for his upcoming professional events.
More importantly, this match showcased the development level of Chinese snooker to the world. Whether it's event organization or competitive standards, they have reached world-class levels.
For the fans, although this was just a friendly match, the high-level competition and exciting moments shown in the match are enough to keep them reminiscing for a long time.
Looking forward to seeing more exciting matches like this on the upcoming professional stage. After all, such matches are what make snooker so fascinating.