Higgins vs Trump – Seasoned Scot to claim fourth crown
Published:Judd Trump, the flamboyant 21-year-old who has taken this year’s World Championships by storm, will meet three-time champion John Higgins in the final, in what is set to be a mouthwatering clash of styles.
Match odds
Trump is the second youngest player – topped only by Stephen Hendry – to reach a Crucible final, and he has made it to this stage in spectacular style.
His fearless long potting has left opponents with an almost impossible task when trying to play safe, while his break-building has seen him pass 25 centuries for the season.
Trump saw off the challenge of Ding Junhui to win a classic semi-final 17-15, and he has yet to show any nerves on the big stage.
The 21-year-old Bristolian also dismissed reigning champion Neil Robertson in the first round, and he is now 11/8 to beat Higgins.
Higgins has endured a tortuous last 12 months with the match-fixing scandal and the death of his father, but the Scot has responded with admirable resolve.
The Wizard of Wishaw had to dig deep to overcome Mark Williams 17-14 in the semi-finals, while Ronnie O’Sullivan was an imposing hurdle to clear at the quarter-final stage.
One of the most complete players of all time, Higgins’ strengths in every department make him the favourite to be crowned champion at 4/7.
Century breaks
Trump knocked in four century breaks in his win over Ding, and the Bristol potting machine is 15/2 to repeat this feat against Higgins.
Having relied on grit and determination for large parts against Williams, Higgins may relish the licence to attack against the gung-ho Trump.
The Scot is a heavy scorer of frame-winning 70s and 80s, and he is 7/2 to score three centuries as he did in the semi-final.
A £30 stake on Judd Trump to score six or more centuries would return £840. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
