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Iran’s Hossein Vafaei Reaches Crucible Quarterfinals After Beating World No. 1 Judd Trump

He frames the run as a gesture to lift spirits in Iran.

Overview

  • Hossein Vafaei, a qualifier from Iran, reached the last eight following Monday's 13-12 decider over top-ranked Judd Trump.
  • He faces China’s Wu Yize in a quarter-final that starts Tuesday in Sheffield.
  • The world No. 32 came through qualifying, thrashed former semi-finalist Si Jiahui 10-3, and is the only unseeded player in the last eight.
  • Vafaei says he is playing to “fight for my people” and describes struggling to focus because of the war and fear for his family’s safety.
  • Trump praised his rival’s game and said Vafaei can win events if he believes in himself more.