Masters 2026: Judd Trump Earns First-Ever Masters Meeting with John Higgins

World number one Judd Trump powered through a demanding 2026 Masters quarter-final, seeing off 2018 champion Mark Allen 6–2 to book his eighth semi-final appearance at Alexandra Palace.

As Trump predicted beforehand, the contest was a tough, attritional affair, with Allen opting for a typically stubborn, safety-first approach that disrupted Trump’s natural rhythm early on.

Neither player found top gear before the mid-session interval, which arrived with the match finely poised at 2–2. The third frame proved particularly gruelling, lasting a mammoth 48 minutes, the longest frame of the tournament so far.

The turning point came immediately after the interval. Allen looked set to edge ahead at 3–2 when building a promising break of 68, only for it to unravel on a routine red. Trump pounced, clearing the table in one visit to swing the momentum decisively.

From there, it was one-way traffic. Trump dominated the next two frames completely, with Allen managing just four points across both.

The final frame again descended into a tense safety exchange, with Allen requiring multiple snookers to keep his hopes alive. He battled gamely, but Trump held firm to close out a commanding 6–2 victory.

Historic Semi-Final Clash Awaits

Victory over Allen sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against four-time world champion John Higgins, a meeting that carries added historical significance.

Despite facing each other 55 times over the past 20 years on tour, Trump and Higgins have never previously met at the Masters.

With Higgins now 50 years old, it could be the first, and potentially last, time the pair cross paths at snooker’s most prestigious invitational event.

"I mean, it's taken us 20 years I've been professional and we've not played in this tournament. There's a good chance it'll be the last time I ever play him in the Masters,” Trump told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“The Masters for me is on par with the World Championship, and the atmosphere is probably better. So, to play some like John in the semifinals, it’ll be an incredible occasion.” 

“He’s probably my favourite player of all time to play against, and the Masters semifinal doesn’t really get any bigger.”

Trump’s Dominant Record

Trump heads into the clash with plenty of confidence, having won the last eight professional meetings between the two, a run stretching back almost three years.

However, Trump believes that dominance stems not from complacency, but from the immense respect he holds for the Scottish great.

"I just think my form has been so consistent. I think I've always been at a level against John that just doesn't drop."

"I think you just put that down to so much respect for him that I kind of tell myself before I play, I have to play my absolute best. And the last eight times or whatever it is, I've probably played my best.” 

“So, I think it's just the respect I have for him and it helps me raise my game."

No Room for Complacency as Higgins Resurges

Despite his strong recent record, Trump is under no illusions about the threat Higgins poses. After enduring a four-year spell without a ranking title, Higgins roared back in 2025, lifting both the World Open and Tour Championship and rediscovering something close to his vintage form.

"You just have to appreciate what he's done in Snooker and maybe a little bit of a resurgence the last couple of years because he did go for a little spell where he wasn't playing his best and he was dropping down a little bit, but he looks like he's back to somewhere near his best now.”

Theatre Nights and Switching Off Before Semi-Final

With a day off before Saturday afternoon’s semi-final, attention turned to how Trump would prepare.

Higgins, fresh from his impressive quarter-final win over Zhao Xintong, revealed plans to unwind with a trip to ABBA Voyage, inspired by his son’s love of theatre.

“I said to Denise [his wife], if I beat Xintong, let’s go see ABBA Voyage, I’ve heard it’s a great show,” Higgins told SportsBoom.

“I love musicals. My boy [his son, Pierce] he’s down here training in London, he’s in his third year, that’s what he’d love to be doing. I’ve always been a fan; it’s the best night out.”

Trump, however, suspects their paths won’t cross in London’s West End.

“I don't think I’ll bump into him no,” Trump joked.

"It depends on the weather really. It's been raining a lot here. Maybe going into the centre of London, look at a few shops, stuff like that.”

“Just try and take my mind off the snooker really and forget about that. And then maybe come back tomorrow night, have a little practise and look forward to the semifinal,” the world number one concluded.