Irish Daily Mirror

Judd may Trump all rest: Doc

- BY NEIL GOULDING

IRISH snooker ace Ken Doherty believes world champion Judd Trump can dominate the sport for years to come.

Potting sensation Trump has steamrolle­red all before him by winning a record six ranking titles this season.

And if the world No 1 can successful­ly defend his World Championsh­ip crown in August it would be the best-ever season by a snooker player in history.

“Judd’s gone to the next level now, if he keeps grounded who knows what he can achieve?” said Doherty. “It’s there for him to dominate. He can become as good as Ronnie O’sullivan and Stephen Hendry if keeps levelheade­d and keeps working. He’s a fabulous talent.

“He’s matured in lots of ways. He can handle being world No 1, he’s able to handle the pressure and the focus that is always on him. That comes with age and experience.

“He’s more consistent now, he has the confidence now and, with the way he’s playing in the last couple of years, he’s just gone from strength to strength.

“Judd has come a long way, especially in the last couple of years.

Trump is seven centuries away from breaking Aussie ace Neil Robertson’s record of 103 centuries in the same season and became the first player to pocket a £1million in prize money this season.

“A couple of years ago I think he realised that he wasn’t going to be successful if he kept playing the same way. He had to understand that and mature.

“He brought his brother Jack on board with him and I think that grounded him. It made him focus more.”

 ??  ?? PRESSURE Doherty has seen real maturity in Trump
PRESSURE Doherty has seen real maturity in Trump
 ??  ?? FORM Judd Trump won six ranking titles this season
FORM Judd Trump won six ranking titles this season

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