WORLD NUMBER TWO Judd Trump crashed to a shock loss in the first round of the World Snooker Championship last night.
Trump, the 2011 runner-up, lost 10-8 to 46-year-old qualifier Rory McLeod.
He had won the opening four frames on Tuesday, but trailed 5-4 overnight and continued to struggle on Wednesday — finding himself one frame away from defeat at 9-7 when play was halted until the evening.
Despite suffering from pains in his shoulder, Trump hit this stunning shot when they recommenced in the 17th frame.
https://www.facebook.com/WorldSnooker1/videos/10154285110962062/
McLeod, priced at 1,000/1 to win the title at the start of the tournament, then took two frames to finish the job and set up a second-round meeting with Stephen Maguire.
Trump refused to speak to the media afterwards and could now face a fine from World Snooker.
Elsewhere, China’s Xiao Guodong reached the second round with a 10-4 win over Ryan Day.
Xiao, the world number 44, opened up a four-frame advantage on the Welshman and again pulled away to lead 6-3 after Day won three in succession.
Xiao then began the second session in fine form, making two half-centuries on his way to winning the first three frames.
A 98 from Day reduced the arrears slightly before Xiao set up a second-round meeting with world champion Mark Selby.
It was a bit of an embarrassing day at the office. My concentration was poor all day really,” said Day.
Graeme Dott, the 2006 champion, overcame two-time finalist Ali Carter 10-7.
“I certainly tried to attack the ball as best I could, when it was necessary,” said Dott.
– © AFP 2017 with additional reporting from Ben Blake
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