- Judde Trump led 6-3 over Hossein Vafaei in the first round in Sheffield
- Elsewhere, two-time number two Ali Carter edged Stephen Maguire 5-4
- The future of the Crucible Theater as a tournament venue is still unclear
Judd Trump is desperate for a second World Championship title and looked impressive as he took a 6-3 lead against Hossein Vafaei in their first round match in Sheffield.
Trump has had another brilliant season, with five tournament victories, but this is the season he wants most.
The Bristolian won the first frame with a break of 63 and took the second and third frames with breaks of 66 and 72.
Iran’s Vafaei was under pressure, but stopped the rot with a break of 60 before Trump made it 4-1 with a 56. Vafaei then shone with a brilliant performance of 138.
Trump responded with a 77 for 5-2 and quickly made it 6-2. Vafaei desperately needed the last frame of the session, which he took with a 74.
Judd Trump has taken a 6-3 lead against Hossein Vafaei to open his World Snooker Championship campaign
The Iranian Vafaei was under pressure, but gave himself a chance to reverse the score
Elsewhere, two-time number two Ali Carter led Stephen Maguire 5-4, while Jak Jones leads Zhang Anda 5-2.
Outside the table, the conversation continues to be dominated by the Crucible Theater’s uncertain future as a tournament venue when its lease expires in 2027.
