‘The Juddernaut’ is ready to travel into new territory
Judd Trump is enjoying life – and why not, given his meteoric rise in snooker?
“The Juddernaut” has dominated the green baize for the past four seasons, having won a staggering 17 titles.
New world champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan, might have reclaimed the coveted World No. 1 mantle, but Trump, who recently celebrated his 33rd birthday, has arguably been the mostconsistent performer at the top level, having won significantly more titles than any other player.
And now the World No. 2 cannot wait to mix it with women in next weekend’s inaugural Mixed World Doubles at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
Trump has teamed up with Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee, the three-time women’s World champion, for the new event, with the seven-time Crucible winner, O’Sullivan, and former holders, Neil Robertson and Mark Selby also competing for the £60,000 top prize.
On Yee, Reanne Evans – the 12-time world champion – current World title holder, Mink Nutcharut, and top player, Rebecca Kenna, are the four women competing in the two-day event, which will be broadcast live on ITV.
“It’s terrific that women get the chance to compete on TV and with the top men’s players,” said Trump. “It’s good for the game.”
With 23 ranking titles to his name, Trump has little to prove, but insists: “People are now comparing me to the greats of the game, but I’m just at the start of my career.
“It’s a compliment, really, but I’m only 33, and I’ve still got a long way to go. I really don’t see any reason why I can’t be playing
at the same the standard when I’m 40, as long as I look after myself and put in the practice.
“As you get a bit older, it’s sometimes harder to motivate yourself to practice, but generally I’m pretty good.”
It’s little surprise Trump can’t wait to renew his healthy rivalry with O’Sullivan, especially after a heartbreaking 18-13 defeat to him in last season’s World Championship Final.
“The Rocket” was forced to
withdraw from the European Masters – the opening ranking event on the calendar – with a troublesome tennis-elbow injury.
And he remains a major doubt for the World Mixed Doubles, where he’ll partner Evans.
“I’d be gutted if Ronnie couldn’t play,” admitted Evans.
“I’ve always been in awe of him, to be honest – and I still am!”
Tommy Gilmour will be honoured by the British Ex-Boxers Association in London today
when he is inducted into their Hall of Fame.
The ex-St Andrew’s Sporting Club supremo will receive the promoters award, and follows in the footsteps of Jack Solomons, Harry Levine, Mickey Duff, Barry Hearn and Frank Warren.
He joins fellow Scots, Dick McTaggart and Ken Buchanan, in the Hall of Fame.
Michael Watson is also being recognised for his services to disability sport.