Hossein Vafaei produced a remarkable comeback to defeat world number one Judd Trump in a tense first-round match at the World Snooker Championship on Monday. The Iranian player secured a 13-12 victory in a final-frame decider at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in his career.

Trump, the 2019 champion, held a strong advantage throughout the match, leading 10-7 and later 12-11. However, Vafaei, ranked 32nd globally, demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, compiling a critical break of 91 in the deciding frame to clinch the win. Earlier in the final session, he also produced a century break of 106, helping him to win six of the nine frames played.

Following the victory, Vafaei praised his mental preparation and ability to remain calm during the match, which he credited for his performance improvement. “I said: ‘If it’s my tournament, it’s going to happen,’” he remarked. Vafaei, who moved to Sheffield partly to be near the Crucible, expressed confidence ahead of his next round against China’s Wu Yize, stating that he does not fear any opponent.

Trump, visibly disappointed, acknowledged that he had opportunities but did not play up to his usual standard. “It hurts but I had my chances,” he said. “When you know you didn’t play a good shot it’s not like you’ve been unlucky.”

Elsewhere in the opening round, six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was eliminated after a dramatic second-day turnaround by John Higgins. O’Sullivan led by five frames on two occasions but dropped six consecutive frames in the closing sessions, allowing Higgins to complete a 13-12 triumph. Higgins produced three century breaks on Monday and maintained composure to reach the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Mark Selby, a three-time world champion, fell 13-11 to Wu Yize, voicing frustration with the playing conditions. Selby described the table’s surface as “horrific,” which he implied affected his performance.

The World Snooker Championship continues in Sheffield with the quarter-finals set to feature some of the sport’s top players after a dramatic first round that included unexpected results and memorable comebacks.