After defeating John Higgins 10-1 on Saturday – marking the heaviest loss in the Scot’s 34-year career, Trump faced another tough battle 24 hours later.
The 36-year-old managed to level the score at 2-2 after falling behind 2-0, giving hope for an exciting finish. However, Zhao’s impressive performance dashed any chances of a comeback, solidifying his position near the top of the world rankings.
Trump acknowledged Zhao’s skill, recognizing him as one of the best players currently. He emphasized the need for improvement to compete against Zhao in the future.
Throughout the match, Trump struggled with his cue tip, affecting his ability to make crucial shots. Despite opportunities in the evening frames, errors cost Trump the match, with Zhao securing victory with his sixth half century.
Reflecting on his performance, Trump expressed disappointment and took responsibility for his shortcomings, acknowledging the need for better preparation in future matches.
