Judd Trump beats world No.1 Zhao Xintong 5-1 at British Open: The fire to reclaim top spot is back

Judd Trump delivered a statement of intent by defeating world number one Zhao Xintong 5-1 in the British Open quarter-finals. The 37-year-old Englishman, who has won 31 ranking titles, surged into the last four and will now face Aaron Hill or Jak Jones in the semi-finals. Mark Selby takes on Liam Highfield in the other semi-final. Trump produced breaks of 101 and 57 to lead 2-0. Zhao Xintong answered with a century of 100, but Trump then held the Chinese star to just 29 points across three frames while adding two more half-centuries to seal the match. “When it goes down to two or one table it is a completely different set-up and you feel like the tournament comes alive,” Trump said on Channel 5. “In that kind of scenario I am so used to being out there and it gets the adrenalin going and it gets me more up for the fight especially against him [Zhao]. I was probably a little more determined than normal. In the past when I have lost the number one spot or people put other players as the favourite, you don't have that as number one and have that same demeanour of wanting to prove everyone wrong or that I'm the best.” Earlier, Liam Highfield beat Stan Moody 5-2, and Mark Selby produced a thumping 5-0 win over Jack Lisowski. Trump's tactical dominance was obvious: he dictated safety exchanges, left Zhao in difficult positions, and only attacked when the cue ball was perfectly placed. His focused mindset may prove the deciding factor as he chases another ranking title.