Qualifier Vafaei topples world number one Trump to reach World Snooker Championship last eight

Iran’s number one player Vafaei creates history as he becomes the first from his country to feature in the last eight of snooker’s flagship event.

It has been a difficult season off the table for the 31-year-old having contended with a shoulder issue and the unrest back in his home nation.

The former Snooker Shoot Out winner - who showed signs of form last month when he made the quarter-finals of the World Open where he lost to Trump - had to win two qualifying round matches to tee up a fifth consecutive Crucible appearance.

In round one, he won nine successive frames from 3-1 down to defeat Si Jiahui; the only non-seed to progress to the last 16. And now, Vafaei is flying the flag for the qualifiers even further into the tournament.

After the opening session was shared, Trump won the final three frames on Sunday to eek out a 9-7 advantage going into the concluding session.

The world number one then opened up a three-frame cushion by taking the first frame of Monday night's action for 10-7.

But if viewers thought that was the point the 2019 World Champion was going to race to the finish line, they were wrong, as Vafaei strung together four frames in-a-row of his own to go 11-10 up.

Reigning German Masters Champion Trump responded with efforts of 76 and 66 to pull the pendulum again, but 'no fear' was the message from world number 32 Vafaei who continued with his attacking instincts under huge pressure, fashioning a 106 to force the second deciding frame finish of the day after John Higgins' epic triumph over Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Trump - who recently ended a long streak of deciding frame losses at the Tour Championship - was in first in the decider with a good opportunity, but broke down on 21 when he elected to play safe after being hampered on a red.

He may regret not having taken that on, though, as he later botched a safety shot, allowing his opponent back to the table with a chance. And ‘The Prince of Persia’ took it with both hands, constructing a classy match-winning effort of 91 to register his first win over Trump in ranking event play since 2021.

It was a case of 'third time's a charm' for Vafaei having been dismissed by Trump at the Crucible on debut in 2022, and then again in 2024.

As for Trump - who had appeared in five finals this season, more than any other player - another year goes by in his quest to become a multiple-time world champion. If Neil Robertson wins this tournament (see further below), he would also lose his world number one status.

Wu and Robertson advance to Crucible quarters

Facing Vafaei will be Chinese youngster Wu Yize who posted a very impressive 13-11 win over four-time world champion Mark Selby.

In what was billed as a clash of styles, Selby produced the heavier scoring, but it was International Champion Wu who shaded the second session to go into the last day 9-7 ahead.

After falling 10-7 down, Selby reduced the gap to one with back-to-back frames, but Wu followed suit to reach the hill first at 12-9.

The 22-year-old - making his debut as a Crucible seed this year - was made to sweat, though, as he struggled to get across the line with reigning UK Champion Selby taking consecutive frames again, for 12-11.

But Wu stayed firm, recomposing himself in frame 24 to make the last eight for the first time. Before this year - his third Crucible outing - he’d never won a match on snooker’s grandest stage.

Robertson set up a blockbuster showdown with Higgins after taking six of the final seven frames to get past Chris Wakelin, 13-7.

After the opening session was shared, Robertson won the second act on Sunday afternoon to carve out a 10-6 overnight lead.

In frame 14, when Scottish Open champion Wakelin was on course for parity at 7-7, referee Peggy Li called a foul on him for apparently touching the yellow with his cue. Li subsequently checked the video footage and retained her decision - one that Wakelin graciously accepted, although didn't appear to agree with.

That moment seemed to be a catalyst for 2010 World Champion Robertson who ended that day with a break of 101, and in control.

Returning on Monday evening, Wakelin got the start he desired by collecting the opening frame, but Robertson took the next three - aided by runs of 104 and 82 - to make the quarters in Sheffield for the first time since 2021.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 World Snooker Championship, visit our tournament information centre here.