Vafaei is the only qualifier, and Trump is the one to face him, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. The first session proved as much: after eight frames, the world number one and the Iranian were level at 4-4. Trump potted significantly more balls, but lost three tight frames in a row.
Trump actually made a strong start to the match. After an even opening, he took the first frame with a break of 58. Vafaei responded with a 70 to level at 1-1, but in the two frames before the interval, the qualifier managed just three points in total, allowing Trump to move comfortably into a 3-1 lead.
Trump lets three frames slip in a row
After the interval, Trump initially remained in control, but after a run of 59, he missed a straightforward black. Vafaei punished him ruthlessly, clearing up with a 57 to the final black to take the frame. The sixth frame followed a similar pattern: Trump, narrowly ahead, left a red on, and Vafaei levelled at 3-3 with a break of 66.
But it didn’t stop there. Vafaei capitalised on another Trump error - he had made another 59 break, but a miscued shot let Vafaei back in. Once again, Vafaei was clinical, replying with a 65 to go 4-3 up.
Trump, however, didn’t let it unsettle him and avoided falling behind in the final frame, thanks to his seemingly limitless talent. He finished with the match’s first century break, a 115, to ensure the session ended all square. The match resumes tomorrow afternoon.
World champion Zhao makes a strong start
On the other table, world champion Zhao Xintong takes a 9-7 lead into the final session, which will be played this evening. Ding can live with the scoreline, as Zhao was the more solid player for long stretches - a 10-6 lead for the world champion would not have been undeserved.
Zhao started the day confidently with a 77 to take the opening frame. In the second frame, he led 59-28 after a break of 59, but lost a safety battle with two reds left. Ding then responded, potting a long red and clearing up with a 39 to take the frame.
Ding keeps the match alive
Overall, the world champion was the better player, showing his class with a 115 century break to regain the lead. In the next frame, he hit back after Ding’s earlier comeback, turning the frame around himself: Ding lost position after a 43, and Zhao punished him after a safety exchange, stealing the frame with a 39.
After the mid-session interval, Zhao extended his lead to 8-5 with a strong break of 87. At this stage, Ding looked in danger of losing his grip on the match, but the experienced campaigner hit back with a 69 to stay in touch. Although he quickly lost the 15th frame, he finished the session with another 69, keeping the match finely poised.