Judd Trump aiming even higher despite superb form as World Championship approaches
Judd Trump may have won five events this season, feels he is playing better than last campaign, and is favourite heading into next week’s Tour Championship, but he now wants to take his game to the next level.
It is a worrying thought for his rivals, with the world number one already the dominant force in the game, but Trump is confident that there is more to come with the World Championship approaching next month.
The Ace strolled through his WST Pro Series group on Tuesday and will return for the second group phase on Saturday, where he hopes to take another step forward in his preparation for the Crucible.
‘It was about getting some good match practice,’ said Trump after topping his group on Tuesday in Milton Keynes. ‘I’ve had the same tip on all season and I decided to take it off and come here and have some practice with a couple of big events coming up.
‘I’ve already had a brilliant season and it’s just about hopefully taking my game to that next level now.
‘For me I’ve already done better than I did last season. Even though I’ve won less tournaments, just the consistency, I’ve played in a few less events. The overall standard and consistency has been better as well and I’m still in with a shot of breaking that record. It would be nice to equal it at the Tour Championship or the World Championship. I’m in a great position for both of them.
‘I’m full of confidence, now it’s just about ticking all the boxes, putting the work in and being mentally prepared for the big events coming up.’
Crucially, part of that preparation will be to have a bit of time off before the mental and physical slog of the World Championship in Sheffield.
Burnout is a real issue going into the 17-day event at the Crucible and players strive to start the tournament fresh, which is what Trump plans to do.
‘It’s been a real busy March so it’s nice to have a day or two off, see who I play in the World Championship and ease into it,’ he said.
‘I don’t like to practice too much because the World Championship is such a long event you have to be mentally ready to last the full 17 days.
‘Keep ticking along nicely, keep my confidence high and hopefully win it for a second time.’
If fatigue sets in this year players will be buoyed by the presence of a crowd at the Crucible, thanks to the World Championship being used as a pilot event for the return of fans.
The world number one is delighted this is the case and believes it could impact performance on the table.
‘It was special last year because I got to play on the first day with a few fans, that was nice, but then it got taken away,’ Judd explained.
‘It was really the same after that and I’m glad there’s a crowd from the start this year. It doesn’t really matter how many people are there it’s just having a crowd spurs you on.
‘If you’re not playing your best, if you look around and there are people there, it makes you try just that extra one per cent, and sometimes that’s all you need.’
Trump second Pro Series group features Ryan Day, Stuart Bingham, Oliver Lines, Mark Selby, Zhou Yuelong, Dominic Dale and Ricky Walden on Saturday, with the top two returning on Sunday for the final group when a champion will be crowned.
MORE : Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Tom Ford descends into farce at WST Pro Series event
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