Judd Trump has described the MrQ Masters as his favourite event on the circuit as he looks ahead to the defence of his title.
Trump lifted the trophy for the second time last year after a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Mark Williams in the final. This time he meets Kyren Wilson in the opening round on Tuesday afternoon, and Trump will relish the occasion.
“It has grown into my favourite event,” said the 34-year-old. “Especially in the last five years since I won it in 2019, I feel really comfortable there as if I’m playing at home. I enjoy the atmosphere, it is completely different to any other tournament. It is more like a rowdy football game with a lot more passion. When everyone is clapping and cheering then it relaxes me. I feel like I belong there and at that point it is my time to shine.
“It is an amazing feeling walking out as defending champion. I can’t wait to get back there. It is always special, but to go there having won it last year is a different kind of reception. It brings a bit of added pressure because I don’t want to go out in the first round.”
Trump's Masters Record
2009 Wildcard round
2012 Semi-finals
2013 Quarter-finals
2014 First round
2015 First round
2016 Semi-finals
2017 First round
2018 Semi-finals
2019 Winner
2020 First round
2022 Semi-finals
2023 Winner
Trump has been the player of the season so far, particularly in a golden spell in October when he won 22 consecutive matches which gave him three ranking titles in a row. And his hunger for more success is undiminished.
“I love the feeling of winning and I absolutely hate the feeling of losing. I think that is what spurs me on,” said the Bristol cueman. “The feeling of going home every time without the trophy is just absolutely horrendous. Winning surpasses everything. I don’t want to look back at the end of my career and have missed events and not practised enough.”
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