Judd Trump overcame a dramatic final-frame decider to defeat Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 10-9 in the first round of the World Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. The world number six recovered from a 6-3 overnight deficit, producing a break of 53 in the deciding frame to edge past his qualifier opponent.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Mark Allen suffered a first-round exit despite a remarkable fightback against China's Zhou Yuelong. Trailing 9-2, Allen won five consecutive frames before Zhou secured a tense 17th frame to clinch a 10-7 victory. Allen described his early performance as 'embarrassing' but praised his late resurgence.
Trump now faces Ding Junhui in the last 16, admitting he needs to raise his game. The 29-year-old Masters champion expressed disappointment at Ronnie O'Sullivan's early exit, saying he cherishes playing the five-time champion. Trump noted that all his big titles seem to come when he faces O'Sullivan.
In the concluding session, Trump won six of the first eight frames with breaks of 82, 62 and 68 to lead 9-8. Un-Nooh forced a decider with a break of 78, but a risky cross-double set Trump on his way to a winning break of 53. Un-Nooh's unfortunate miscue while escaping a snooker allowed Trump to seal victory.
Allen, who trailed 7-2 overnight, lost the first two frames before launching his comeback with breaks of 68, 60, 72 and a total clearance of 131. He won a scrappy frame to make it 9-7, but Zhou prevailed in a safety battle on the final red. Allen, who had prepared intensely with coach Terry Griffiths, said he was proud of his fight but disappointed to end the season.
