Wilson edges Trump to win Players Championship

World champion Kyren Wilson defeated world number one Judd Trump 10-9 in a thrilling final to claim her first Players Championship title.

The two best players in the world in top form were tied at 4-4 at the break in Telford with both playing aggressively.

Before Wilson reeled off the next four, it appeared as though Trump had taken control of the ninth frame after the restarted.

However, the match’s only century break came in the 18th frame, forcing a decider, and UK champion Trump won four of the next five.

In the 2024 Northern Ireland Open finals and the Xi’an Grand Prix, he had previously defeated Trump.

The lifting of awards is “so special,” Wilson said.

“It was reported this week that if I won, I would earn 10 ranking points, comparable to Jimmy White’s. To be on par with a legend like Jimmy as a child is a dream come true for me.

Trump later claimed that the cue ball was “very light” and was “taking off like a ping-pong ball” and “kind of bogged us both down a little bit.”

Wilson remarked, “Judd hit the nail on the head.” It’s unfortunate we couldn’t peak like we have all week because I think it’s a good, healthy rivalry.

Trump was aiming for his third title in this competition, having last won in 2019-20, while Wilson was competing in his first Players Championship final.

Trump won six games and held the record for the most ranking titles in a season.

Wilson will attempt to defend his world title in Sheffield starting on April 19 with two ranking matches to match that record in the Tour Championship in Manchester starting on March 31.

Wilson continued, “We’re only a short way from the World Championship.” Going into that, it gives me a little confidence.

Trump, the former world champion, has won the most money in a single campaign by winning three of his own events this term, two of which are ranking victories.

Along with Mark Selby, who has four times won the World Championship at the Masters, and Shaun Murphy, who is the favorite for the 2025 World Championship.