UK Championship 2024: Kyren Wilson’s Rivalry with Judd Trump Set to Hit New Heights

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson is gearing up for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against his fierce rival, Judd Trump, at the 2024 UK Championship. Wilson secured his spot with a composed 6-3 victory over qualifying outsider Michael Holt, setting up a tantalising clash with the world number one.

This encounter adds another chapter to a growing rivalry between two of the sport’s most consistent and dominant figures. Both Wilson and Trump have been the standout performers this season, raising the stakes for their latest battle on the baize.

While Trump’s remarkable £500,000 triumph in Saudi Arabia has firmly cemented his position at the top of the rankings, Wilson believes that, in terms of consistency and results, they are neck-and-neck.

"I'm miles off in terms of [ranking] points, but I think in terms of results and titles," Wilson admitted. "Consistency, I think we're both right up there. It's been a good battle."

A Rivalry That Fuels Greatness

Wilson acknowledged that their rivalry has pushed both players to new heights. 

“He’s definitely brought the best out in me recently, and I’d like to think I’ve done that to him over the last couple of years,” he said.

Trump, meanwhile, recently expressed his belief that his dominant presence is beginning to instil fear in his opponents, a sentiment Wilson partially agreed with.

“I think we’re both quite similar in that where you probably go into matches and you’re already one-nil up, and I think I’m starting to build that for myself this year, and that all comes with winning,” Wilson explained.

“The more successful you are, the more you’re feared. So, I totally get what Judd’s saying, but I think when you get into the sort of top ranks of the game, everybody knows they can beat everyone, so it’s kind of on the day.”

Recent History Favours Wilson

While Trump enters the semi-final as the narrow favourite, Wilson has had the upper hand in their most recent high-profile encounters. 

The 32-year-old from Kettering defeated Trump in two ranking finals earlier this season, claiming titles in Xi’an and Belfast.

However, Wilson doesn’t see those victories as an advantage. Instead, he believes they have only motivated Trump to come back stronger.

“I think it’s probably made Judd more hungry to beat me now,” Wilson reflected. 

“He’s obviously the world number one for a reason, and he’s done so well for many years now that he’ll want to prove a point.”

Despite this, Wilson is focused on his own game and believes he still has another gear to find this week. “I’ve just got to focus on my own game. I don’t think I’ve played anywhere near my best this week, and I’m in the semi-finals. What a great time to kick on and improve.”

The Stage Is Set

With both players determined to prove their superiority, the semi-final clash promises to be an electrifying spectacle. Wilson’s recent victories over Trump have added fuel to an already intense rivalry, and both competitors are sure to bring their best to the table in pursuit of a place in the final.

For Wilson, this match is another opportunity to solidify his status as one of the game’s greats and continue his quest to bridge the gap to world number one. 

For Trump, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance and settle the score.