WORLD NUMBER TWO Judd Trump survived a major scare — and an ill-advised choice of shoes — to beat fellow Englishman Barry Hawkins 6-5 in the first round of the Masters tournament in London.
Trump had to change his footwear during the contest due to a lack of grip and looked to be heading out after falling 5-3 frames down.
However, the 23-year-old hit back with a break of 105 and then edged a tight 10th frame before securing victory with a 107 break to set up a quarter-final meeting with Graeme Dott of Scotland.
Trump emerged for the match wearing a pair of stud-covered shoes designed by French designer Christian Louboutin and despite his mid-game costume change, he said he would not be put off wearing them again.
“I was all right in the practice room, but as soon as I went out there I just started sliding around,” he told BBC television.
We’re going to have to make a few adjustments so I can wear them. It’s just a little bit different. I like to stand out now and again.”
Last year’s runner-up, Shaun Murphy, also had a struggle, with Ricky Walden fighting back from 4-1 down to level their first-round encounter before Murphy regrouped to win 6-4.
We’re not sure if Barry Hearn meant this when he vowed to revamp the sport:
YouTube credit: TheRocketExpress
