World number four Judd Trump continued his excellent form this week, as he rarely gave World Champion Mark Selby any scraps to feed off on his way to the European Masters final.
Fast off the mark
Following the previous two rounds that saw both players whitewash their opponents, Trump was first to use his momentum from the past few days as he took control in the opening frame. A break of 135 sent a message to Selby of Trump's intent as the Jester was unable to score a point. Selby was to remain seated without a ball sunk in the second frame as Trump found an opening to compile another excellent combination that equated to 72.
Trump looked comfortable in frame three as he passed the half century mark oncemore with a 56. Yet a rare mistake left the door open for Selby to pounce as he clawed his way back into the contest. However, Trump wasted little time in asserting his authority oncemore as a break of 66 secured frame four, followed by a 58 as Selby saw another frame go by where he was unable to pot a ball.
Selby barely enjoys any time of note at the table
The World number one managed to edge a second frame to make the score 4-2, but was still relying on mistakes from his opponent as Selby failed to register any break of note. Trump responded with a sixth break over 50, this time scoring 70, as Selby failed to secure a point for the fourth time in seven frames. Trump then edged what was to be the last frame by eight points as an impressive performance saw him cement his place in the final.
This week has easily been Trump's best performance of the season thus far, after failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals in any competition. His previous best run came at the Riga Masters where he was knocked out by eventual winner Neil Robertson, Trump's possible opponent in Sunday's final if he can beat Ronnie O'Sullivan.