Shock of snooker season down to business class flights after Judd Trump is dumped out of World Open
JOE O’CONNOR caused one of the shocks of the snooker season as he dumped world No.1 Judd Trump out of the World Open.
And Leicester’s Pocket Rocket, 29, put the surprise result down to a relaxing skiing trip and business-class travel.
Two-time defending champion Trump, 35, lost in the last-32 of a ranking event for the first time this year.
And it is the first time this early since the Scottish Open in December 2023 – going down 5-2 to the world No.39.
The best player this season, who now lives in Hong Kong, was looking for a fourth title this campaign but was denied a shot at the £175,000 winners’ pot in Yushan.
O’Connor – who eliminated Mark Selby on his Crucible debut appearance last year – has blown open the top half of the draw in China and plays Michael Holt for a spot in the quarter-finals.
And he credited the sensational win to taking a winter break and then flying to the Far East in the plush seats.
The amateur mixed martial arts fighter, who closed it out with a 113 break, said: “I flew business class out here.
“Logically, it makes sense. Good preparation leads to a good tournament and for this event it has so far.
“I feel really good. Any win over someone in Judd’s calibre makes you feel great.
“I took one shot at a time and was able to string something together.
“I feel fine in those pressure moments. I enjoy being out there against the best in the world.
“I had a little time away over Christmas, I went skiing for the first time and that was enjoyable.
“The little break and reset helped and I have come back stronger. I probably needed it.
“I have just beaten Judd. So, why can’t I go and win it?
“One of the hardest things at the top level of snooker is being able to sit down for a couple of frames, watch your opponent do their stuff, and then when you get a chance, you capitalise on it.
“That separates the best from the rest.”
Shaun Murphy followed up his 147 break on Monday by crushing Thailand’s cueist Thepchaiya Un-Nooh with breaks of 83, 94, 94, 85 and 138 in a 5-0 hammering.