Judd Trump has struggled for form this season and has opened up on the reasons why since he moved to Dubai like Ronnie O’Sullivan
Judd Trump has opened up about a significant issue he’s faced since relocating to Dubai. The snooker star moved to the Middle East in early 2024, splitting his time between there and Hong Kong, where his girlfriend lives.
Fellow snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan made a similar move earlier this year. Nowadays, Trump’s trips back to the UK are primarily for tournaments and he’s currently in Leicester for the Champion of Champions event, where he has reached the semi-finals.
Despite holding a comfortable advantage at the top of the world rankings, Trump has had a disappointing start to the season by his high standards. His last ranking title was at the UK Championship almost a year ago.
Trump insists his recent lack of tournament victories isn’t related to his move to Dubai, although he has disclosed one problem that has cropped up. It involves his brother, Jack, his practice partner, travel companion and general confidant, who has been experiencing visa issues.
When asked about his struggles this season, Trump told ITV: “There’s quite a few factors. My brother’s not been able to come to Dubai because of visa problems for the last two months, so my practice is probably the least I’ve practised in the last six years. It’s very hard to practice with the same intensity.”
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Trump also pointed out two other potential obstacles he is currently dealing with: the size of the pockets and his new cue, which he’s found difficult to get used to.
He said: “I think the main thing is the pockets are so big at the moment. I find it hard that the better player doesn’t always win on the big pockets.
“A lot of people say the standard is so good, it’s all close, but when the pockets are tight and I thought they were in Ireland [at the Northern Ireland Open] and – apart from the final when I lost 9-8 – I was the one that was finding the middle of the pocket and getting in.
“Now you’re getting people that miss and it still goes in. It’s quite frustrating. And I think that’s why you’re seeing so many different winners because if someone’s playing half decent, it’s like nine-ball [pool], you’re not going to miss.
“Whoever gets in wins the frame, I think. It’s quite frustrating for some of the better players.”
Regarding his cue, he said: “I’m struggling a little bit with my cue, with the tip and the conditions weren’t great either. So not a good combination.
“I’m hitting the ball where I want to hit it and it just doesn’t go in at the moment. The tip’s very flat so the ball is throwing off a little bit.
“The cue is new, it’s only two months old. If I don’t win something this week or next week, I think I’ll probably change it.”
