'I have never had to do that' – Judd Trump's 'monster' comeback to win English Open
09/10/2023 08:32
Judd Trump produced a brilliant comeback to beat Zhang Anda 9-7 in the final of the English Open, remarkably changing the tip on his cue after the first session of the match in Brentwood.
The former world champion found himself 7-3 behind against Zhang, who was competing in his first ever ranking event final at 31 years old.
Trump had been open about tip trouble earlier in the week, saying: ‘My tip is terrible. Just trying to get this event out of the way if I can, I might have to re-tip it in this event, but it’s not ideal.’
Finding himself 5-3 down following the afternoon session, the Englishman opted for the change and, despite Zhang winning the next two frames, it eventually paid off as Trump reeled off six on the spin to lift the trophy.
‘I was struggling with my tip and I lost two of the frames in the first session because of that,’ he said. ‘After the session I decided to change it and (tournament director) Paul Collier put on a great new tip.
‘I stayed at the venue from 4pm to 7pm just practising with the new tip, I didn't go back to the hotel at all. I feel rewarded now because I could have just decided it wasn't my day, or not played with the new tip. I have never had to do that during a match before.’
Zhang looked set for a surprise first ranking title when he built a substantial lead in the final and Trump was thoroughly impressed with the man who beat Ronnie O’Sullivan on his way to the showpiece.
‘Zhang played well until 7-3 and put me under a lot of pressure, it was only when he missed a couple that I started to turn it round,’ said Trump.
‘After he beat Ronnie I knew he was comfortable to get over the line against anyone. He looked at home, I was just hoping that something drastic was going to happen because he was looking like the best player in the tournament.
‘I had to stay patient and dig in because losing in a final is not a nice experience when you have to watch your opponent pick up a trophy.’