We look ahead to a potential classic final of the German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin…
DING JUNHUI v JUDD TRUMP (12 & 7pm GMT)
First session live on British Eurosport2 at 12pm GMT
Final session live on British Eurosport at 7pm GMT and Eurosport International at 8pm CET
Some matches don’t need any overblown build-up and this is one, featuring as it does two ferociously talented twenty-somethings made for the big stage. Ding is attempting to win his fourth ranking title of the season; Trump his first since the International Championship in November 2012.
Trump was sensational in blowing away Rod Lawler 6-1 in the semi-finals. This was his best performance of the season. He made three centuries but in all areas of his game was strong. His attitude and application were faultless.
Ding was pushed all the way by Ryan Day but made a good break under pressure in the decider to wrap up victory.
These two have split their personal head-to-head 3-3 but Trump won the big meeting when he triumphed 17-15 in the World Championship semi-finals in 2011. Back then, he was flavour of the month. Now he’s one of the elite, and though his campaign had been disappointing prior to Berlin it is now firmly back on track.
Trump looks not only confident but also determined. His slump won’t have been much fun but, in front of a capacity crowd at the Tempodrom, he clearly relishes the chance to land more silverware.
He’s up against Chinese snooker’s favourite son having the season of his life. This could well turn into a final which will live long in the memory.
Photographs by Monique Limbos.