Judd Trump Triumphs Over Ronnie O’Sullivan to Reach Shanghai Masters Final; Snooker Legend Ray Reardon Dies at 91

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• Judd Trump Advances to Shanghai Masters Final with Dominant Win Over Ronnie O’Sullivan
• Snooker Legend Ray Reardon Passes Away at 91: A Tribute to the Sport’s Icon

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Judd Trump Advances to Shanghai Masters Final with Dominant Win Over Ronnie O’Sullivan

Judd Trump booked his spot in the Shanghai Masters final with a commanding 10-3 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan. The match, held on Saturday, saw Trump display extraordinary form, hitting four centuries across both the morning and evening sessions. Trump started strongly, taking a 7-frame lead to end the morning session 8-1 ahead. Despite O’Sullivan’s attempts to rally in the evening, Trump’s exceptional play—featuring breaks of 106, 128, 127, 82, 71, and 91—ensured he secured the final two frames needed for the win.

Judd Trump Advances to Shanghai Masters Final with Dominant Win Over Ronnie O'Sullivan

Judd Trump secured his place in the Shanghai Masters final with a commanding 10-3 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan. Trump, who made four centuries during their match, ended O'Sullivan's 21-match… pic.twitter.com/BjEK0O7LPd

— Freedom Square News (@Freedom_Square_) July 20, 2024

This victory is notable as it ends Trump’s four-year wait for a win over O’Sullivan, who has been a dominant force in Shanghai with five previous tournament wins. Trump’s win also came against the backdrop of the passing of six-time world champion Ray Reardon, a mentor to O’Sullivan, highlighting the deep respect and influence Reardon had within the snooker community.

In the final, Trump will face Shaun Murphy, who staged a remarkable comeback against Mark Selby, overturning an 8-5 deficit to win 10-8. Trump’s win and Murphy’s resilience set the stage for an exciting final showdown in Shanghai.

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Snooker Legend Ray Reardon Passes Away at 91: A Tribute to the Sport’s Icon

Ray Reardon, celebrated as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has died at the age of 91 following a battle with cancer. Reardon, affectionately known as “Dracula” due to his iconic widow’s peak hairstyle, was a dominant force in snooker throughout the 1970s. His illustrious career includes six World Championship titles, earned in 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978, making him one of the most successful players in the sport’s history.

Snooker Legend Ray Reardon Passes Away at 91: A Tribute to the Sport's Icon

Ray Reardon, one of snooker's greatest competitors and a six-time World Champion, has passed away at the age of 91 after a battle with cancer. Known as "Dracula" for his distinctive hairstyle, Reardon… pic.twitter.com/7bU6JXRgfp

— Freedom Square News (@Freedom_Square_) July 20, 2024

Reardon’s impact on snooker extended beyond his impressive record. He played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport during its early days of live television coverage. As snooker began to gain mainstream appeal with the introduction of color TV, Reardon was a central figure in its rise. His tactical acumen and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite and a significant ambassador for the sport.

Before turning professional in 1967 at age 35, Reardon built a solid reputation as an amateur. He won the Welsh Amateur Championship every year from 1950 to 1955 and claimed the English Amateur Championship in 1964. Reardon’s transition to professional snooker marked the beginning of a storied career. His sixth World Championship title in 1978 remains one of his most memorable achievements, making him the oldest world champion at the age of 45—a record later surpassed by Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022.

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Reardon also held the record for the oldest winner of a ranking title until 1982 when he beat Jimmy White in the Professional Players Tournament final at age 50. His final title came in 1983, when he won the International Masters. In addition to his playing career, Reardon contributed to the sport as a mentor, notably helping Ronnie O’Sullivan with the strategic aspects of his game.

Reardon was awarded an MBE in 1985 and was inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame in 2011. Despite his age, Reardon remained enthusiastic about snooker, making a century break shortly after his 91st birthday. Following his semi-final win over Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Shanghai Masters, Judd Trump paid tribute to Reardon, calling him a “legend of the game” and highlighting his influence on Welsh snooker and the broader snooker community. Reardon’s passing marks a profound loss for the sport, but his legacy will endure through his remarkable achievements and contributions to snooker.

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