Latest Snooker Champion of Champions update: Trump defeats Lei Peifan 6-2 to reach the semifinals, two Chinese players eliminated

On November 11th Beijing time, the snooker Champion of Champions semifinals kicked off with Chinese young talent Lei Peifan challenging world number one Judd Trump. Despite Trump’s less-than-ideal form and just three 50+ breaks, he dominated Lei Peifan 6-2 and became the first to secure a semifinal spot. The two Chinese players, Trump and Lei Peifan, were both knocked out!

Trump faced Lei Peifan. Trump holds the world number one ranking, excelling in both offense and defense. Over recent years, his ranking event titles have steadily increased, making him the top player among those born in the 1980s. However, this season he has struggled somewhat, yet to claim a title, with his best result being runner-up at the Northern Ireland Open. Trump is a regular at the Champion of Champions tournament, having participated multiple times and won the title before. In this event, he easily defeated Chinese female player Bai Yulu 4-1 in the round of 16, then went on to battle Chinese rising star Lei Peifan for a semifinal spot!

Lei Peifan is a young Chinese player born after 2000 and a rising star. Last season, he won the Scottish Open, marking a huge breakthrough in his career and earning his first qualification for the Champion of Champions. Unexpectedly, in the opening round of the round of 16, he was in great form and eliminated a Grand Slam champion 4-1, which was very exciting. This result raised hopes that he could continue causing upsets and possibly defeat Trump to reach the semifinals, but reality proved harsher!

After the match started, Lei Peifan had many chances at the table and built a significant lead, but unfortunately failed to surpass Trump’s score, leaving openings. Trump seized the moment with a precise 60-point break to take the first frame and turn the match around. In the second frame, Lei Peifan responded strongly with a brilliant century break of 101 points to level at 1-1. However, the game slowed down afterward and the situation became complicated. Lei Peifan showed some inexperience under pressure and was suppressed by Trump’s strong defense. Trump scored only one 60+ break but won four consecutive frames to reach a 5-1 match point. In the seventh frame, facing elimination, Lei Peifan fought back fiercely with a 70+ break to save one match point. But in the eighth frame, Trump regained his accuracy, capitalized on the opportunity with a 70+ break to effectively seal the match. Ultimately, Trump eliminated both Bai Yulu and Lei Peifan to enter the semifinals!

From this match, although Trump’s offense was not outstanding, his defense was exceptional. Lei Peifan still has a large gap to close to reach this elite level. Losing was expected, but reaching the quarterfinals is already a remarkable achievement!

Written by / Sports Fiction