Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | Second Round

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World number one Judd Trump continues his bid for a second world title against Iranian hope Hossein Vafaei.

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Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump prediction

Hossein Vafaei completely took apart Si Jiahui as he defeated the former Crucible semi-finalist 10-3 in the first round, becoming the only qualifier to reach the last 16 of this year's event in the process.

The Iranian, who knocked in a century in addition to seven 50+ breaks against the Chinese seed, has made it to the second round in Sheffield for the third time, but he is yet to go further.

Judd Trump, meanwhile, won five of the last six frames in his opener against Gary Wilson to win 10-5. The world number one certainly has more gears to go through but can relax a little now that he has overcome the first hurdle.

Vafaei and Trump met just over a month ago with the latter winning 5-1 in the quarter-finals of the World Open. Indeed, the Bristolian has won 11 of their 15 career meetings, and seven of the last eight.

Trump still only has one world title to his name and has often underperformed in Sheffield, but with some of the attention off him this year in light of Zhao Xintong's exploits, he may find the pressure eased somewhat.

Vafaei is a solid competitor but we're backing Trump to reach another level over the longer format.

Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump tip: Judd Trump to win with -5.5 frames handicap