Sunday December 1st 2024
Judd Trump V Barry Hawkins 13:00 & 19:00
Today is the 2024 UK Championship final, world number 1 Judd Trump is rightfully the overwhelming favourite and holds a 4-match winning streak over today's opponent.
Both players have battled hard to navigate their way through the draw to get to today's final.
Hawkins has defeated defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-4, came through a nervy final frame decider with David Gilbert, blew Shaun Murphy out of the water in the second half of their quarter-final clash and was involved in late night drama as he came through a decider with Mark Allen late last night.
Having to win 2 matches to reach the main event at the Barbican, Hawkins impressively defeated Alfie Burden (6-1) and Wang Yuchen (6-3) to qualify. His run this week has propelled him inside the world top 16 and he is now guaranteed a place in the masters in Alexandra Palace after Christmas.
Judd Trump on the other hand has also had a tough draw, he came through a battle with Neil Robertson in round 1 before a deciding frame thriller with John Higgins, he then produced arguably the best snooker of the week to convincingly defeat Zhang Anda 6-2 and dominated World Champion Kyren Wilson 6-2 yesterday.
Today he will aiming to claim his 2nd UK Championship title and with Hawkins finishing up his semi-final just after 1am last night, it's hard to look past the fresher world number 1.
As always, Hawkins will give his best and continue to fight until the last ball is potted but I cannot see past the world number 1 picking up the trophy tonight.
Prediction: 10-5 Trump
