Crucible debutant Chris Wakelin admits he gave everything he had and will learn from defeat after failing to overcome Judd Trump on Thursday. The 26-year-old was close to pulling off a huge shock in Sheffield as he battled back from 8-4 and 9-8 down. Wakelin, a two-time ranking event quarter-finalist, made the highest break of his career with a 141.
Both Trump and Wakelin missed chances to get over the line but the former eventually prevailed to book his place in the second round against Ricky Walden. Wakelin will now be looking to kick on after impressing on the big stage and he insists he will learn from the whole experience. He told BBC Sport: “I’ve tried my hardest, and not left anything out there. “It’s been one of those days. The balls that I missed I put 100% into.
I did have chances in the decider. All you ask for is one opportunity and I had plenty, so that’s the most disappointing thing. “You practice all those hours, days, weeks and years for that moment but sadly I fell short. “There’s a lot of positives to draw. I never gave in. “It’s an amazing arena. You dream of playing here, even more you dream of winning here. It’s been a really good season for me. I’ve enjoyed practising and testing myself.” Despite Trump’s win, Ronnie O’Sullivan remains the favourite to win the World Championship at odds of 6/5.
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