Trump ‘devastated’ at Crucible defence KO

JUDD TRUMP admits he is devastated at being unable to defend his world title in Sheffield next month.

World Snooker Tour finally bowed to the inevitable and postponed the 17-day Crucible showpiece.

The sport’s supremo Barry Hearn will try to run the tournament in July or August – subject to decisions on other events.

But for world No.1 Trump, this spring represented a great chance of ending the famous ‘Crucible Curse’ afflicting first-time winners.

The 30-year-old said: “Of course it is horrible not to have the chance to defend my title, especially the way I feel I am playing and have played most of the season.

“But it is the same for so many other sports and the health of all concerned is the most important thing.

“I am devastated not to be heading to the Crucible next month, but you have to hope everyone is fit and well and we can go again in a few months.”

No player since the theatre started to stage the tournament in 1977 has come back and lifted the trophy again the following year after winning it for the first time.

The feat eluded even seven-time champion Stephen Hendry, six-time winner Steve Davis and winner Ronnie O’sullivan.

But the Juddernaut has swept almost all before him this season and must now pray his form lasts.

Trump could not have been in better nick after a spectacular and record-breaking campaign that saw him win six ranking titles.

He added: “Whatever they had to decide it was always going to be tough.

“And of course people will be gutted it’s not taking place at the usual time, but there are bigger things going on.”

WST chairman Hearn insists the organisation will do everything to stage the World Championship in the summer if possible.

Along with the 32-player main draw, the 128-player qualifying event has fallen by the wayside – and also the Q-school tournament in May, offering a path on to the tour.

Hearn said: “Fans around the world – as well as the 144 players involved – are anxious to know if and when the World Championship will go ahead.

“I can assure everyone that we are doing all we can alongside our broadcasters, the venues and other partners to confirm new dates as soon as possible.” five-time