JUDD TRUMP failed to make a half century but still reached the last 16 of the Haikou World Open on Wednesday.
Trump’s highest break was 49 in the deciding frame of his 5-4 victory over Matthew Stevens following a match low in quality. Stevens had led 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 but could not put Trump away.
“It was very humid and sticky so conditions were difficult. We know it’s going to be hard at this event and you just have to prepare yourself for that and not get down about it. Maybe Matthew got more distracted than I did,” Trump said.
Neil Robertson carried his centuries tally this season to 91 with two more during his 5-1 defeat of Rory McLeod.
Robertson forced a re-spotted black in the first frame, which he sank before his 111 made it 2-0. The Aussie world no.1 won a black ball third frame and eventually made 116 in the sixth to kill the match off.
He said: “It was a game of patience because Rory is a good safety player and doesn’t make many mistakes. I’m happy with the way I’ve played here so far but I think there’s room for improvement.”
Shaun Murphy set up a last 16 encounter with Ding Junhui with his 5-1 victory over Mark King.
Ricky Walden will provide the last 16 opposition for defending champion Mark Allen after beating Dublier Ken Doherty 5-1.
Marco Fu battled through a hard fought encounter with Michael Holt, eventually prevailing 5-3.
Photographs by Monique Limbos.