‘There’s a chance’ – Steve Davis gives hope to Mark Williams against Judd Trump

Steve Davis believes Mark Williams still has a chance in his World Snooker Championship semi-final against Judd Trump, but everything must go his way in the second two sessions after losing the first 7-1.

It was a disastrous start to the game for the three-time world champion as he struggled with the conditions and failed to make a 50 break over the eight frames.

Trump was good, without being sensational, making five half-centuries as he built the imposing lead in the race to 17.

The 47-year-old will have to dramatically improve on the form he showed on Thursday to have any chance of winning the game, but Davis believes that could happen and Trump could potentially lose focus after opening up a huge lead.

There are still three sessions to go and the six-time world champion still thinks things can turn around for the Welshman, although it will be tough.

‘It’s a shock that Mark’s gone off the boil, really. I think we all expected him to continue the form. He’s experienced enough for that to be the case,’ Davis said on the BBC.

‘It just shows what happens in one session of snooker if one person gets away from the other.

‘The other guy is then reeling and has to wait until the session ends to be able to mentally regroup.

‘There is the possibility that the roles can be reversed. It’s unlikely but sometimes it does happen.

‘It’s hard for the crowd to understand that one guy can be so good to get to 7-1 then totally collapses. But that’s a bit like the long distance runner who’s so far in front that he loses focus.

‘There is a chance for Mark, but he’s got to be ready for all the opportunities that come his way, should Judd show some weakness. But from 7-1, it’s tough.’

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