In a captivating display of skill and determination, Judd Trump emerged victorious against Hossein Vafaei, securing a commanding 10-5 win in the first round of the 2024 World Snooker Championship. The match, anticipated as a potential banana skin for Trump, proved to be a testament to his confidence and readiness as he navigated past his formidable opponent with precision and poise.

Reflecting on his performance, Trump expressed his satisfaction with his form: “I said coming into this event, I was a lot more confident than I have been in maybe the last three or four years really. I knew it was important to make those clearances against him. He’s such a good player, he could easily be a top 16 player. I knew it was going to be a tough draw, but it also made my job easier because I knew I'd have to be on it from the get-go,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

Indeed, facing Vafaei, known for his skill and tenacity on the table, posed a significant challenge for Trump. However, his strategic approach and unwavering focus propelled him towards victory, marking a promising start to his campaign in the championship.

Beyond his triumph on the green baize, Trump weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the venue of the World Snooker Championship, particularly the future of the prestigious event at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. With the contract between the venue and the World Snooker Tour set to conclude after the 50th anniversary of the tournament at the venue, discussions have arisen regarding the possibility of relocating the championship.

Image credit: WST

In addressing the topic, Trump emphasized the importance of hosting the championship in venues that can accommodate substantial crowds, stating, “It needs to be played in front of at least five thousand to 10 thousand people, it’s such a good sporting event.” While acknowledging the historical significance of the Crucible, he also suggested alternative locations such as China and Saudi Arabia, where substantial audiences could be drawn to witness the pinnacle of snooker excellence.

Regarding his experience in Saudi Arabia, Trump noted the presence of a passionate crowd, despite potential misconceptions about the turnout. “There was a good crowd there [Saudi Arabia] when I was there. I don't think it came across on the TV, but there was at least five, 600 people there,” he remarked, underscoring the potential viability of the venue for future editions of the championship.