Vafaei launches epic comeback to stun Trump and reach last eight for first time

Hossein Vafaei produced a remarkable comeback to defeat world No. 1 Judd Trump 13-12 in a thrilling final-frame decider at the World Snooker Championship, securing a place in the quarter-finals for the first time. Trump, the 2019 champion, had held leads of 10-7 and 12-11, but Vafaei’s composed 91-point break in the deciding frame sealed one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The Iranian player received a standing ovation from the crowd, reflecting the significance of his victory. In another dramatic match, John Higgins edged out Ronnie O’Sullivan 13-12 in a gripping final-frame thriller. Higgins, who fired three centuries during the match, overcame a strong start from O’Sullivan, who led twice but ultimately lost six consecutive frames in the final sessions. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, acknowledged his defeat and revealed he had booked an early flight home, anticipating an early exit. His sporadic participation on the circuit this season and lack of recent high-pressure matches were cited as factors in his performance. Meanwhile, Mark Selby suffered a 13-11 defeat to China’s Wu Yize, expressing frustration with the playing conditions, which he described as the worst he had experienced at the Crucible. Despite his disappointment, Selby pushed the young Chinese player to the limit, highlighting the rising competitiveness of emerging talents in the sport. These results underscore the unpredictable nature of the World Snooker Championship and the emergence of new contenders challenging established stars. Vafaei’s breakthrough and Wu’s strong showing signal a potential shift in the competitive landscape, while the exits of Trump, O’Sullivan, and Selby mark the end of notable runs by some of the sport’s most accomplished players.