Judd Trump explains why German Masters is as big as Masters and UK Championship in major claim about snooker's Triple Crown - 'It is special'

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The World Championship, Masters and UK Championship are part of snooker's Triple Crown, but world No. 1 Judd Trump is adamant the German Masters in Berlin should also be rated as a major tournament. After completing a 5-3 win over Xiao Guodong in the quarter-finals, Trump was quick to praise the blue-chip event in Berlin. Watch and stream the German Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Trump wraps up Xiao victory and books semi-final spot at German Masters

Video credit: TNT Sports

The German Masters should be rated alongside the Masters and UK Championship as one of the major tournaments in the sport, according to world No. 1 Judd Trump.

After setting up a semi-final meeting with fellow multiple German Masters winner Ali Carter on Saturday night, Trump was quick to pay tribute to the atmosphere inside the city's teeming Tempodrom, a venue that can hold 2,500 fans.

After producing the highest break of only 73 in his 5-2 win over Si Jiahui in the last 16, Trump was back to his best in a 5-3 victory over Xiao, who had defeated John Higgins 5-3 on Thursday.

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Breaks of 65, 107, 105, 53 and 69 helped him recover from 3-2 behind after the world No. 11 had produced 104 and 62 in winning three straight frames from 2-0 behind.

The Saudi Arabia Masters has joined the World Championship, Masters and UK Championship - the Triple Crown events - as part of snooker's self-styled major set, but Trump has his own ideas about potting prestige.

"I say every year, this is one of the top two or three events we come to," said Trump on World Snooker Tour.

'Bang on it this evening' - Trump secures superb century in second frame against Xiao

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It is not every event we get to compete in front of this many people. It is special. Tonight was a bit of a taster.

"We were the last table on and the crowd was bigger than earlier on in the week. It is going to be great tomorrow."

Trump will face Carter for a final spot after the two-time Crucible finalist continued his quest to emulate his title success in 2013 and 2023 with a 5-1 Essex derby win over Stuart Bingham highlighted by a majestic 137.

"There's no better tournament than this. This is right up there with the Masters and the World Championship," said Carter after his 10-3 final victory over Tom Ford three years ago.

"The German fans are magnificent. They're such polite people, and they appreciate us being here."

Record three-time champion Trump feels Carter - who leads 7-5 in the career head-to-head - comes alive at the sport's major competitions.

Carter 'off to a flying start' with first frame century against O'Sullivan

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I think Ali over the years has been someone that has been guilty of not getting up for some of the events. I'm maybe the opposite," he said.

"When he comes here and the World Championship, he seems to find another gear. It takes something special to do that.

"When you are at tournaments you love you need to not try too hard.

"He loves the big occasion."

Shaun Murphy dismantled defending champion Kyren Wilson 5-1 with a powerhouse scoring blitz that saw him compile 78, 101, 68 and 58 with Wilson producing 139 in the fifth frame to prevent the whitewash.

The 2005 world champion has yet to win the German Masters title, but is aiming to end his wait for the Brandon Parker Trophy, named after his late former manager, on Sunday evening in the German capital.

"This is one of the best atmospheres in all of our sport," said Murphy after securing a showdown with Neil Robertson, who is also chasing his maiden title in Berlin following a 5-1 win over Jimmy Robertson.

"The atmosphere at Ally Pally and the Crucible, when they go down to one table, is incredible. This comes very close. The crowd are always packed. It will be brilliant out there.

"I'm going to try and not make the mistake I made against Stephen Maguire here all those years ago. My friend and manager, Brandon, said to get the crowd onside.

"I got all involved in the walk-on and lost 6-0. I'll try not to do that tomorrow!"

2026 German Masters semi-finals

Shaun Murphy v Neil Robertson 13:00
Judd Trump v Ali Carter 19:00

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Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the German Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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