Pankaj Advani’s dream run in the BetVictor Welsh Open came to end on Friday as he suffered a 2-5 quarterfinal loss to World No 2 Judd Trump in Newport, Wales on Friday.
Advani, who became the first Indian to reach the last-eight stage of a major ranking event in professional snooker, put up a brave fight after losing the opening four frames before running out of gas against the London southpaw.
“I've had a fantastic tournament and lost to a terrific player,” Advani said after the loss.
“I'm really pleased with how I’ve played and hope to continue the great form going in to the World Championship in a few weeks. With each and every match I play, there’s more and more to learn. One can never know enough. I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey and hope to reach many more milestones.”
Early trouble
Advani went 0-2 down as Trump pocketed the opening two frames 73-20 and 72-19 with ease. The Briton then scored 52-point break in the third and then put himself within one frame of victory with a brilliant 78-point clearance.
Pushed to the brink, Advani delayed the inevitable after winning the fifth frame with some fine potting and safety play. Trump started the sixth frame with a 59 break and just when it appeared the Briton was on his way to victory, Advani hit back in fine fashion, fetching him some more time.
Trump, however, hardly allowed the slip-up to get the better of him, scoring a fluent 69 break to seal his spot in the semis.
Result: Judd Trump bt Pankaj Advani 5-2 (73-20, 72-19, 69-3, 78 (78)-39 (39), 18-62 (38), 59 (59)-66 (33), 98 (69)-0).