Trump stays ahead

Judd Trump showed John Higgins he would not be reeled in easily as he remained three frames clear midway through the second afternoon of the Betfred.com World Championship final.

The 21-year-old, who has made such an impact at the Crucible over the past 16 days, was on course for glory as he went from 10-7 overnight to 12-9 ahead, needing six more frames to win his first world title.

Higgins disappointed himself with his performance in the opening two sessions yesterday, when despite being level at 7-7 at one stage, the eventual scoreline probably flattered him. It was Trump rifling in the long pots and dazzling the crowd, while Higgins looked to cling on, grinding out sufficient frames to stay in touch.

It was essential for the 35-year-old three-time former champion that he should start well today, and Trump gifted him an early chance when he missed a straight red with the rest.

A break of 59 allowed the Scot to take the opening frame, and with Trump seemingly a touch nervous, another to narrow the gap to 11-10 would have piled pressure on the young man's shoulders.

Back though came Trump to regain his three-frame lead with a run of 104, his third century of the match, which only came to a halt when he tried one too many exhibition shot.

Trump missed an opening red in the next though, and that gave Higgins another opportunity.

His highest break in 17 frames yesterday was just 64, but he improved on that with 97 to make it 11-9.

The frames were racing by, and the pair completed a fourth well inside an hour's play when Trump rammed in a rapid 99.

With four more frames to be played this afternoon, Trump had the edge but needed to be wary of an improving opponent. There was the potential for 10 frames in this evening's concluding session.