Judd Trump reveals love is the secret to his Chinese success
Today at 05:14 AM
Judd Trump feels the love in China and he reckons that is why he enjoys so much success in the country.
The world number one is in Yushan as he bids to win the World Open for the third time on the spin, going into the tournament as favourite to do so.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed a lot of success in China in recent times, winning the Shanghai Masters earlier this season and landing the Wuhan Open along with the World Open title last campaign.
He has a long history of enjoying Chinese events, with his first ranking title coming at the China Open way back in 2011.
Trump feels that he gets a lot of love and support from the fans in China, feeling more engaged with a younger audience there than in the UK which he reckons helps him perform at his best.
Ahead of the World Open starting on Sunday he told WST: ‘It’s a good event that I’ve got a good record in, hoping to replicate what I’ve done the last couple of times I’ve been here and produce the magic.
‘I’ve been in Hong Kong for the last six days now, so I’m nicely adjusted to the time zone and hopefully I can use that to my advantage this week.
‘I think the support [is behind his success in China]. I think the younger fans here. I feel more loved and they show their support in a different way to the UK fans. I feel like I take to that a lot better, when I feel the warmth I play a lot better.’
Trump is not only boosted by the fans, but also getting the benefit of spending a lot of time in Hong Kong where his girlfriend is based.
He feels that being ready to go in China after a relatively short trip gives him the edge on his rivals who are jetting in from the UK.
‘I think China certainly, especially the last 18 months, living a lot in Hong Kong has helped because I’m more fresh than any other players. I think there’s a few factors,’ he said.
Trump has had another brilliant campaign, winning the UK Championship and Saudi Arabia Masters since lifting the Shanghai Masters trophy.
He now has the World Open followed by the Grand Prix, Players Championship, Tour Championship and then the big one in Sheffield, the World Championship.
He is aiming to win at least one of the four tournaments coming up before the trip to South Yorkshire, where he will be bidding for a second world title.
‘All the tournaments left are quite big events, it’s a stacked end to the season,’ he said. ‘I think at this point every player is trying to nick one event to get that confidence up for the World Championship.
‘I probably feel not as tired or burnt out as previous seasons, but it’s alright giving yourself a rest but you have to go out there and still stay match sharp.
‘From this point on you want to be winning at least one event before the World Championship to get that confidence up but any tournament you can win between now and he end of the season you’re going to be happy at the end of the season.’
