Trump won’t join ‘LIV-style’ snooker

JUDD TRUMP has revealed he rejected offers to join a rival snooker tour after cruising into the quarter-finals of the World Championship with a 13-7 win over Tom Ford at the Crucible.

Trump says he has no interest in the prospective LIV-style breakaway, which is understood to emanate from the Far East and requires a commitment to play in eight regular events plus a grand final in exchange for a six-figure sign-on fee.

‘A few people have tried to contact me and I just couldn’t be bothered,’ said Trump.

‘If they try to contact me or my brother I just tell them to go away. I’m very happy where I am, with the tournaments I play in.

‘I need something with history and heritage. I need something to play for. I don’t think I would really get out of bed for an exhibition series.’

Trump, who said contact had been initiated via his brother Jack, believes that without the sport’s biggest names the threatened breakaway is already redundant, adding: ‘I don’t think there’s enough players or enough names that could do damage.

‘I think Ronnie is the only one if he left – to be honest, I don’t think people are that bothered by anyone else. I feel like with what I’ve established in the game alongside Ronnie, if I’m staying here then the tour will be a strong place.

‘For me it’s about the titles. At the end of the day everyone wants more money but this isn’t the right time for me. I’d be a lot happier winning my money rather than getting gifted it.

‘I love playing in the kind of tournament with something on the line. I don’t want to lose and feel nothing.

‘I hate losing. I couldn’t imagine walking off and getting paid the same, win or lose. It’s not the same for me.’