Vafei continues to be the tricky opponent many expected for Trump, but thanks to three big breaks in a row, the world number one takes a lead into tomorrow.
The session began much as yesterday’s ended. Trump had his chances and was ahead in the opening frame, but Vafei stayed in touch and took the frame with some bold potting.
Trump still struggling
The tenth frame was also reminiscent of the first session. Trump put together a break of 65 but failed to close out the frame. Vafei patiently worked his way through a difficult table with a series of smaller breaks, eventually reaching the colours.
However, he couldn’t get a position on the blue, which was tight on the cushion. After a safety exchange, it was Trump who, for the first time in the match, managed to edge a close frame.
High breaks then began to dominate the match. In the eleventh frame, Trump took his first chance and, with a break of 76, led for the first time since frame five.
The lead didn’t last long, though. Vafei responded with an 82, and then overturned a 39-18 deficit in the 13th frame with a 65 clearance to move back in front.
Despite the Iranian’s comeback, the world number one kept his composure and replied with the session’s first century break - exactly 100 points - to level at 7-7.
Vafei had no answer in the final two frames either. With breaks of 74 and 94, Trump opened up a two-frame lead for the first time since going 3-1 ahead.
Robertson in top form
On the other table, Robertson enjoyed a superb day against Wakelin. After letting a 4-1 lead slip at the end of the first session, the Australian finished strongly today and takes a 10-6 advantage into tomorrow’s decider.
Robertson took the first two frames with little resistance, including a break of 66.
Wakelin replied with a 73 to make it 6:5, but was unlucky when, leading by 30 points, he potted a combination and also went in-off.
Robertson seized the opportunity and, with a 57, made it 7-5.
Controversial referee decision
Wakelin pulled one back after the interval, but a controversial refereeing decision caused a stir in the 14th frame. With the score at 42-0, the Englishman potted a long red but was judged to have touched the yellow with his cue.
German referee Maike Kessler called a foul and, even after reviewing the video, stuck with her decision - much to Wakelin’s disbelief. Robertson was unfazed by the controversy and, with a 65 clearance, extended his lead to 8-6.
The incident proved a turning point for Wakelin, who struggled in the final two frames. The Australian hit top form, compiling another break of 65 before rounding off the session with a 101 century.