China's Cao Yupeng reaches first ranking final at Scottish Open

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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 that came earlier 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 had a magic moment this week in Glasgow, when he hit a 147 maximum break in his 4-0 win over Andrew Higginson as part of the last 128.

Chinese snooker player Cao Yupeng in action at Emirate's Arena in Glasgow at 2017 Scottish Open /VCG Photo

He will fight for the title and the 70,000 pound grand prize 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. There was a lot of pressure out there today, but I managed to play alright so I'm pleased overall.“ he added.

"I have spent a lot of time practicing, 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."

British snooker player Judd Trump in action at Emirate's Arena in Glasgow at 2017 Scottish Open /VCG Photo

Trump said, "It is hard and draining. When you 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."

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency