Chigwell lad splashes the cash for fans after coming from behind to progress

Judd Trump’s 10-8 win in the first round of the World Championships against qualifier Liang Wenbo was worth £8,750 in prize money and within hours he was splashing the cash buying drinks for his fans.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Chigwell, trailed 7-3 against Wenbo and wrote on Twitter said: “drinks on me later if I get out of jail here.”

And, true to his word, the former world number one rewarded those that supported him with a celebratory tipple in a pub yards from the Crucible Theatre.

The world number five, before slipping out of his waistcoat and into the Graduate Pub, said: “I’m so relieved and if anyone wants a drink I’ll buy it for them.

“I’m very happy, there was a lot of pressure out there and I’m so relieved, so if anyone supported me I’ll definitely get them a drink – but they have to have proof!

“I’ll put a couple of hundred pounds behind the bar and anyone that comes in first can have a free drink.”

Wenbo made a storming start to the match, knocking in back-to-back centuries en route to building a 6-3 lead overnight.

And the Chinaman looked to be in total control when they resumed on Thursday afternoon, extending his advantage to four frames.

But after he fluffed a chance to win frame 11, Trump smelt blood and won five frames in a row to turn the contest on its head.

The world number 18 did then pull level but, with his tail up, breaks of 61 and 55 saw the Chigwell resident home.

“I played good stuff. I played good safety and my potting was good when I got in amongst them,” admitted Trump.

“There was a big turning point at 7-3. He had a few chances and started throwing his cue at them. I took a look of heart from the fact I’ve seen him twitch before in a few tournaments.

“He looked edgy from the start, so I wanted to put him under pressure by scoring heavily and that’s what happened. I’m very happy I finished off the job.

“I always play my best snooker here so I was very disappointed to go behind in the first session. The frame to go 6-3 I missed a black off the spot and that played in my head over night, but today I stayed strong.”

Trump now goes on to meet Ding Junhui in round two, a player he has beaten twice before at the Crucible, after he overcame Martin Gould in a tense contest on Wednesday night to advance.

But the former world number one was not blown away by what he saw and fancies his chance of reaching the last eight for a fourth successive season.

“I think he was a bit lucky to get through against Martin. It wasn’t a great game and I didn’t play my best either, so I think we’ll both improve,” added Trump.

“He’s come through qualifying easily, but I’ve raised my game the both times I’ve played him here, so hopefully it will be third time lucky.”

Watch the World Championship LIVE on Eurosport, with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan.