February 4th 2024.
As the German Masters final approaches, Judd Trump finds himself in an unfamiliar position – that of the elder statesman in a big game. At 34 years old, he is hoping to secure his fourth ranking title of the season, after defeating Sam Craigie 6-2 in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.
His opponent, Si Jiahui, also had an impressive run to the final. The 21-year-old pulled off a brilliant 6-3 victory over former champion Kyren Wilson earlier in the afternoon, marking his first ranking final appearance since bursting onto the scene at the World Championship last year.
Reflecting on his upcoming match against the young and talented Si, Trump admits it will be a different feeling to be the one being "shot at," rather than being the one doing the shooting – something he has been accustomed to throughout his career, dating all the way back to his 2011 Crucible final against John Higgins.
"It's very strange for me playing someone that young," Trump shares. "It's kind of come full circle, I feel like when I was playing John Higgins in the [World Championship] final at that age. I'm the one to be shot at, but he's a tremendous talent."
Trump acknowledges Si's attacking style of play, which is a rarity among Chinese snooker players. "He goes for his shots, gets on with the game, and is very nice to watch," Trump says. "I'm looking forward to that game."
This season has been a brilliant one for Trump, who is now in his seventh final. In contrast, Si has had a steady but unspectacular season since his outstanding performance at the Crucible last April. However, he has found his form in Berlin, as evidenced by his five-frame winning streak against Wilson in the semi-finals, including a break of 138.
"I have not thought about making it to another semi-final much since the run at the Crucible last year," Si admits. "I just focus on each shot without thinking about how many tables are featured in the arena. If I play well, I will make progress, and if I lose, I will have no regrets. It doesn't matter who I am playing, it's not going to change my shot selections."
He also shares that he feels comfortable playing at the Tempodrom venue, even when he was down 2-0 in the semi-final against Wilson. "I just relaxed out there because I know Kyren is a top professional," Si says. "My form picked up, and I managed to stay in a good mindset to close it out."
The Tempodrom final is a unique experience that both players are looking forward to. "I think it's one of the venues...there's obviously bigger prize money tournaments on the calendar, but here is a feeling that money can't buy, walking in at the semi-final stage," Trump says, having won the German Masters twice before. "It's a tournament that I always enjoy coming to, look forward to coming to, try to get to the latter stages to try and experience that one-table atmosphere again. It lived up to the expectation."
The final will be played over a best-of-19, two-session contest on Sunday, with the winner taking home £80,000 and the runner-up settling for £35,000.
As the two talented players prepare to face off, it will be a clash between the seasoned veteran and the rising star, with both aiming for their own personal milestones – Trump, his 27th ranking title, and Si, his first. It's a match that is sure to be thrilling and one that both players will cherish, as they compete in front of a passionate and enthusiastic crowd at the Tempodrom.
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