Welsh Open snooker 2021 - Judd Trump struggles past Zhao Jianbo into second round at Celtic Manor

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 15/02/2021 at 18:44 GMT

Judd Trump failed to find his best form as he twice came from behind to beat Zhao Jianbo in the first round of the Welsh Open. Trump produced a litany of errors as he went in search of his first Welsh Open title, one of the only tour events he is yet to win. He now heads into the second round of the competition.

World number one Judd Trump failed to find his best form in a 4-2 win over Zhao Jianbo to progress into the second round of the 2021 Welsh Open.

Trump looked vulnerable as 17-year-old Zhao took the opening frame after hoovering up with a break of 56.

The favourite responded with a fantastic century (117), but again was pegged back by Zhao who took advantage of a series of uncharacteristic errors from his opponent and regained the lead.

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Trump takes the lead with tidy 90 break

Trump looked very beatable but a 67 clearance helped him level again at 2-2, before he finally found familiar form with a rapid break of 90 to take the lead for the first time at 3-2.

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Trump looked on his way to victory with a run of 32 but frailties in his defensive game gave Zhao another chance at the table.

Fortunately for Trump, Zhao missed a routine black to allow his illustrious opponent back on the table, where he made no mistake with a break of 51 to seal the frame and the match.

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