Snooker
Exclusive: Judd Trump Predicts a New Chinese Prodigy to Emerge and Revolutionise the Sport
Snooker star Judd Trump predicts a new Chinese prodigy will revolutionize the sport. Read his insights on the future of snooker, comparisons with legends, and his quest for a lasting legacy.
Image Credits: Irish Independent
Snooker star Judd Trump believes there’s a Chinese wonderkid waiting in the wings to dominate the sport.
Potting sensation Trump had a season to savour after pocketing five titles last season, the same as arch-rival Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Rise of a New Contender
But the former world champ expects he and the Rocket will have to roll up their sleeves with a new threat to their dominance just around the corner.
“I feel like there is going to be someone from China who comes around and blows us away,” Trump told SportsBoom.com.
“I feel like someone will come through in the way either (Stephen) Hendry or Ronnie did. But I don't think they will come and blast seven or eight world titles, I don't think it's as easy to day nowadays.”
A New Era of Natural Talent in China
“But some of the Chinese players have that freedom, whereas before they all looked a bit robotic.”
“Now they're a bit more natural and I think there will be a player who storms through.”
Image Credits: Euro Sport
Comparisons and Challenges
World number two, Trump was narrowly pipped to the top of the world rankings by Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen last season.
But despite winning an impressive 28 ranking crowns, the 34-year-old left-hander believes he gets a tough deal being compared to green baize great Hendry and O’Sullivan – who have both won seven world titles each.
“I get a lot of comparisons to what Stephen has done in his career and what Ronnie’s done,” reflected Trump.
“I’m still not at that age. I feel like I’m always going to be 15 years behind where Ronnie is.”
“It’s difficult because I feel like I’m the only person who gets the comparisons against him.”
“I think, for me, I try to take it as a compliment that they are putting me in that bracket.”
“But I try and look at my achievements with where some of the greats were at my age as opposed to the end of their career.”
I just need to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m happy. If you look at me against people, my own age it’s not even close.
Judd Trump
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Trump has never been scared to take on snooker’s top stars – and with time on his side he hopes he can win many more titles to leave a lasting legacy.
“All I can do is stand out in my era, that’s all I can do,” said Trump.
"I really don't see any reason why I can't be playing the standard I am now when I'm 40, as long as I look after myself and put in the practice.”
"There's no doubt as you get a bit older it's sometimes harder to motivate yourself to practice, but generally I'm pretty good.”
"I've had a few amazing seasons and won so much, but I'm realistic that you can't always win five or six tournaments a season.”
“Apart from Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis in their primes I feel like it’s the most anyone has ever dominated.”
“I don’t know when my prime is and if it’s now then I need to make the most of it.”
“I always knew I was good but until you prove it to other people you never truly have that belief.”
“I lost in that world final to John Higgins in 2011, I won the UK Championships, and I won a few events, but it took a few years for me to really make my mark,” Judd concluded.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.