• German Masters

On-fire Trump sets up Ding showdown in Germany

ESPN staff
February 1, 2014
Judd Trump eased to victory © PA Photos
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Judd Trump will face Ding Junhui in the final of the German Masters after both players came through their last four encounters in contrasting circumstances.

Trump eased to a 6-1 victory over Rod Lawler, while Ding had to fend off a comeback from Ryan Day to seal a dramatic 6-5 win.

Trump has been showing signs of the form that propelled him to world No. 1 and the UK Championship in 2011. He dropped the opening frame to Lawler, who was playing in his first big match on a grand stage for the first time since the 1996 International Open final.

Lawler made a 61 to lead 1-0. However, a 66 got Trump back on level terms, before he raced to a 3-1 advantage at the interval by firing in consecutive centuries of 127 and 122.

And the quick-fire pace continued from Trump as he went 4-1 in front, before a third century of the night, a 117, made it 5-1. And the match was soon wrapped up when Trump scored enough points to secure the seventh frame to reach the final.

Earlier, Ding survived a fightback from Day to remain on course for a fourth ranking event title of the season.

The world No. 3 lifted the Shanghai Masters, Indian Open and the International Championship in consecutive ranking events, and led 5-3. However, Day hit back to force a deciding frame.

But it was Ding who rattled in a break of 79 in the final frame to seal victory. "I would be very proud to win a fourth ranking title in one season, because it's so difficult now just to get to a final. There are so many good players," Ding said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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