Reviewing the final of a snooker UK Championship that concluded in the early hours of the morning, world number one Judd Trump defeated Barry Hawkins 10-8 to lift the UK Championship trophy. Since 2011, after a thirteen-year absence, Trump has once again claimed this prestigious title, and his greatness is undeniable! With Ronnie O'Sullivan no longer fixated on match results and Mark Selby's performance fluctuating, Trump has gradually become the leading figure (the face) in the snooker world.
Trump is not only the world number one but also the top-ranked player in terms of winning hopes for the UK Championship. Other players such as O'Sullivan, Bingham, Selby, Higgins, Maflin, and Ding Junhui all have the potential to compete for the championship. However, this season, the most reliable presence in snooker is undoubtedly Trump, who has won multiple ranking titles and is almost invincible, possessing a mysterious confidence in being a champion!
In the matchup between Trump and Hawkins, the record of their encounters shows that Trump wins more often than he loses. When Trump faces Hawkins, he gets pumped up emotionally, so for this final, we must discard the convenience of previous matchups and earnestly study the tactical differences between the two. By focusing on the opponent's weaknesses and attacking relentlessly, victory can be achieved before the dam breaks.
Trump started cautiously against Hawkins, not unleashing his full firepower and struggling with some mistakes. Similarly, Hawkins did not deliver any big moves and started steadily. Trump and Hawkins were evenly matched in the first four frames. Starting from the fifth frame, Trump truly focused on finding a breakthrough point. After Hawkins' long-range attack failed, Trump chose to score by taking control, following a series of classic shots, Trump continued with three consecutive victories, leading by three frames at 5-3. Only then did Hawkins wake up from his dream. Between their wits and courage, Trump won another four frames, with one foot already on the threshold of the championship. Trump just needed to win one more frame to secure the UK Championship title!
After a brief rest, Hawkins managed to win two frames, making the score 9-8, with Trump still leading by one frame. In the 18th frame, Trump no longer held back, easily making a shot without giving Hawkins any chance to fight back. Trump pocketed the last red ball, and the outcome was basically sealed. Trump had already clinched the UK Championship title. In the match, Trump made several breaks over 60, with a highest break of 133 points, still short of the maximum 147. However, although Trump did not achieve the highest break, he at least secured the UK Championship title. Ultimately, Trump defeated Hawkins 10-8, achieving a magnificent 10-8 victory!
