Judd Trump has warned his opponents he isn’t going anywhere (Image: Getty)
Judd Trump has stated he loves “winning too much to miss too many tournaments” after a dominant 6-1 victory against Barry Hawkins saw him head straight into the final eight of The this week. Trump impressed on Tuesday as he established a 5-0 lead over Englishman Hawkins, who he beat in the UK Championship final last month.
The 35-year-old completed breaks of 59, 60 and 56 to set up an impressive lead over Hawkins, and he wrapped up the round with a 112 after his opponent eventually replied with a 70 break. The two-time winner has set up a final eight match-up with Ding Junhui on Friday, and he is showing no signs of slowing down soon.
Host Hazel Irvine invited Trump in for a chat with ex-snooker players John Parrott and Shaun Murphy after the match concluded, where he was asked how he spent his time over the festive period. Murphy questioned the star about his preparation for The Masters, and Trump was frank about the time he spent with his cue.
Trump said: “I had four or five exhibitions and I did have a little bit of time off over New Year for four or five days. But after that, I did my exhibitions out in China and then I went to Dubai and practised for four or five days on the way back to here. So, I always keep in touch, even though I allowed myself to skip a tournament after winning the UK.”
He then added: “I love winning too much to miss too many tournaments.”
This warning message to his fellow Masters opponents shows Trump is confident in his talent to balance time between practice and relaxation. The snooker star has showcased an air of trust in his ability to take the trophy home for the third time in his career.
Trump is aiming for a third Masters title (Image: Getty)
While China’s Junhui awaits Trump next on Friday, Northern Irish star Mark Allen will also play in the last eight against four-time world champion Mark Selby on Thursday.
The first round of The Masters will conclude today (January 15), with reigning world champion Kyren Wilson playing against Zhang Anda. Then, 2023 Crucible winner Luca Brecel will take on Christ Wakelin at 7pm at Alexandra Palace, live on Four and iPlayer.