Trump To Play On Own Terms
World number four Judd Trump has vowed to compete in a positive and attacking manner this season, as he aims to hit the ground running in the early stages of the campaign.
The Ace in the Pack strayed away from his usual brand of aggressive snooker in winning the Masters at Alexandra Palace last season. Throughout the event he struggled to produce his best form, but called upon his B game and battled hard to capture the Paul Hunter Trophy. Trump eventually hit top gear and defeated Mark Williams 10-8 in a thrilling final.
Trump was on the other side of a battling display against Player of the Season Mark Allen in the World Grand Prix final. During that event, Allen adopted an uncharacteristically defensive style and ground his way to victories. The Northern Irishman dictated the way the title match went and eventually emerged a 10-9 victor, despite a late rally from Trump. That turned out to be Trump’s only appearance in a ranking final last term. Looking ahead to the new season, Trump is keen to play matches on the front foot.
“It is nice to know the B game is there when you really need it, but for me I think this season is about enjoying it. I think Mark Allen had a brilliant season, but towards the end I think even he was a little bit fed up of the snooker he was playing to win,” said 2019 World Champion Trump.
“It’s not the same enjoyment as when you are doing it on your own terms. That is something that Ronnie (O’Sullivan) has been brilliant at his whole career, doing it on his own terms. If the balls get messy, he smashes them open and sees what happens. That is what I want to do this season, do it on my terms and not get bogged down.
“As soon as the season is done it is about forgetting what has happened and concentrating on the season ahead. It wasn’t that bad, I still won the Masters. It was still a brilliant season, as whenever you win one of the big three events it is still going to be special. I think I just have to try and not be too critical of myself. If it was five years ago, before that spell I had, I still would have been a great season. Expectation comes from winning all of the time. I think I just need to relax and not be so hard on myself when I’m not winning every single event. It will be nice to have more tournaments to go at with the return of China and hopefully a few other events on the horizon. As a snooker player, it is a lot more exciting this season.”
After suffering a first round World Championship exit at the hands of Anthony McGill back in April, Trump continued to keep a keen eye on proceedings at the Crucible. He was pleased to see the way Luca Brecel played to sensationally capture his first world title. However, Trump believes this season will provide a new test for the Belgian, as he seeks continue on an upward trajectory on after picking up snooker’s biggest prize.
Trump said: “It will be interesting to see what comes this season and if he can kick on from that, or if it was a one off. I think he needs to use that as a platform to really kick on now. He certainly has the talent to do well in the game. For me, it was nice to see a few of the players in the latter stages of the World Championship playing attacking snooker. I think the crowd and the people at home really enjoyed it. I think it was one of the best World Championships in a while with the young players and how they performed.
“It is important, because you have got to entertain, as well as try to do your job. So it was nice that after going out I was able to watch a more easy on the eye style of snooker and enjoy it at times. Some of the shot selections were maybe what I would have played when I was younger. It is nice that people are going out trying to win, rather than trying not to lose.
“It is nice for Luca. He comes from very humble beginnings. It is a dream to be able to earn a car like that (a Ferrari). Good on him for enjoying himself and being able to spend his money. Hopefully it can inspire him to continue winning and try to keep it.”
Watch the full interview below: