Fu edges out Trump in epic Masters battle
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E-mail China.org.cn, January 18, 2017
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Marco Fu sees off Judd Trump in tense encounter. |
Marco Fu continued the form he showed in winning last month's Scottish Open as he beat Judd Trump 6-5 in a sensational first round clash at the Dafabet Masters.
The Alexandra Palace crowd were treated to another thrilling contest – the third consecutive afternoon match to go to a deciding frame. And this was the best of the lot in terms of standard as the two players fired a remarkable five centuries and nine more breaks over 50 in the 11 frames.
Trump looked to be cruising at 3-0 up but he was eventually eclipsed by a stunning Fu fight back. The world number eight from Hong Kong played arguably the best snooker of his career in Glasgow last month, winning his third ranking title by beating John Higgins 9-4 in the final, and on today's evidence he will be a danger again this week.
Fu, whose only Masters final appearance came in 2011 when he lost to Ding Junhui , now faces Mark Allen on Thursday evening.
Bristol's Trump made a break of 102 to win the opening frame, then came from 56-0 down to take the second with an 87 clearance. Fu again had first chance in frame three but his 64 was not good enough as Trump cleared superbly with 67.
Fu ignited his revival with 130 and 88 to get back to 3-2, then Trump's 79 gave him frame six. In the seventh, Trump lead 63-10 only for Fu to make a 58 clearance which started with a doubled red to a centre pocket.
The high scoring continued as Fu made 110 for 4-4 then Trump edged ahead with a 112. World number four Trump had his match-winning chance in frame ten but he missed the black off its spot on 36, and Fu duly punished him with 80 for 5-5.
A fluked red gave Fu the first chance of the decider and he made 22 before running out of position. After a brief safety exchange, a fantastic long red from Fu set up another chance and this time there was no mistake as he finished in style with 102.
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