China’s Cao Yupeng upset world No 3 Judd Trump to reach his first ranking final at the Scottish Open in Glasgow on Saturday.
Cao, ranked 67th in the world, defeated Trump 6-4 to avenge his loss in a semifinal this season at the European Masters in Belgium. On that occasion the eight-time ranking event winner Trump stormed to a 6-1 victory.
27-year-old Cao has already enjoyed a magical moment this week in Glasgow , having fired in a 147 maximum break in his 4-0 last 128 win over Andrew Higginson.
He will fight for the title and the top prize of 70,000 pounds against Neil Robertson of Australia, who defeated Scotland’s John Higgins 6-3 in the other semifinal.
“When I had that chance in the last frame I told myself, concentrate 100% and don’t miss,” said Cao. “I feel really happy to be in my first final. It was a lot of pressure out there today, but I managed to play alright so I’m pleased overall.
“I have spent a lot of time practising and particularly on my safety game. I think last season I only really put in an effort on my potting and as a result I gave my opponents a lot of opportunities.
Trump said: “It is hard and draining. When you are sat there you try to get some momentum going. If you get among the balls you start rushing and end up missing.
“Recently I haven’t really been enjoying it. It is hard to enjoy the games you lose. But, I think it is important just to get over it as soon as possible and not dwell on the loss. It is easy to sit here and moan about how slow he was, but I had my chances and just didn’t take them.”
