World of sport
Winning machine Judd Trump is out to join snooker royalty tonight.
The world champion would join Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and Ding Junhui as the only players to pocket five ranking titles-in-aseason if he wins the Players Championship.
Ahead of facing either Shaun Murphy or Yan Bingtao in Southport’s showcase final, he said: “It would be amazing to equal some of the greats of the game.
“To be in that bracket would be amazing. I keep putting myself in these opportunities in the last 18 months.
“I put myself in the position to hold all three Triple Crowns if I won the UK Championship – unfortunately I didn’t. But, hopefully, these accolades can come along soon.”
Trump has a newfound self belief in his game and has beaten Scottish hopes John Higgins and Stephen Maguire to give himself a chance of banking the £125,000 top prize.
The English potting sensation has won eight titles, including a maiden world title, in a dominant 15-month spree.
Impressively the runaway world No. 1 has lost just one final since 2017.
“The difference between now and a couple of years ago is the belief,” added Trump.
“I’m just telling myself that I’m the best in the world and World Champion.
“Sometimes I have to put myself under even more pressure to get myself up for it.
“I’m loving playing at the moment. I’m loving being involved in these tournaments and in the business end of them.”
Trump’s sensational season has put him in line to bank the sport’s £150,000 European bonus – the player who earns the most prize money from the German Masters, European Masters, Shoot Out and Gibraltar Open.
“There are some big events coming up,” stressed Trump. “It’s nice to be involved in these extra bonuses and incentives to be doing well.”