Gould beaten by Trump despite century

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Pinner’s Martin Gould hit a 135 break but still lost 4-1 to Judd Trump in the first round of the Players Championship in Manchester.

The world number 13 beat Trump last month on his way to winning the German Masters, but there was no repeat this time.

Gould scored just 14 points in the first three frames as Trump opened up an imposing lead.

But the west Londoner showed no ill-effects from being sat in his chair, and responded by knocking in a superb 135, setting an early high bar for the tournament’s top break.

Trump put himself on the verge of the next round when he left Gould needing snookers, 69-30 ahead, and after a lengthy safety battle, the former world number one sealed it with a long red.

It was only Gould’s second first-round exit of the season. He is next in action next Tuesday at the China Open.