Stephen Hendry and Mark Allen have argued that Judd Trump is attempting to play down the pressure of winning a second World Snooker Championship. The world number one has a commanding 6-3 lead over Zhou Yuelong ahead of their first-round tie resuming at the Crucible tonight.
Trump has won 30 ranking titles and clinched five Triple Crown championships throughout his illustrious career. The 35-year-old won the world title in 2019 and reached the final again in 2022, with many expecting it to be a matter of time before he becomes a multi-time world champion. Having previously struggled in Sheffield, Trump has emphasised the unpredictability of the tournament. However, snooker legend and seven-time champion Hendry has questioned Trump’s comments and believes he needs to win another world championship to be considered one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“In my opinion, he does [need to win another world title],” Hendry said on the BBC. “I don’t think that’s maybe Judd’s opinion.
“Whether he’s trying to deflect the pressure or not, he says he wants to win as many titles as possible. It doesn’t have to be the world, it could be any title. He could win 100 titles and only win one world championship, he’s got to be considered a great, but in my opinion, you’ve got to win here more than once.”
Allen, who progressed to the second round on Monday, was alongside Hendry and agreed with the pundit’s assessment of Trump. “I just think there’s a deflection there from Judd,” Allen admitted.
“He’s won so much in recent years, he’ll be disappointed looking back on his career if he’s only won one world title, given how many other tournaments he’s won. He’s got the ability to win four or five of these, easy, and I think if he doesn’t, he’ll be disappointed.”
Trump enjoyed another stellar year in 2024, winning four of his seven ranking finals, but he only reached the World Championship quarter-finals. Hendry and Allen’s claims of deflection stemmed from an interview with Trump that was shown at the start of the BBC’s evening coverage on Tuesday.
“Every tournament’s the same. Unless you win it, you’re not going to be happy, but I don’t really care if I win or lose,” Trump said. “I just try to come in with the right attitude. As long as I put the work in, if I don’t win this week, I know I’ve tried my hardest. It’s as simple as that, I think.
“It’s something I’ve come to terms with over the last couple of seasons. Win or lose, just try my absolute best. I think it’s just easier to manage my expectations.
“Before, I was probably disappointed to lose any game. I realise now, as I get older, that the standard is so difficult, you’ve just got to enjoy the wins when you can.
“It’s not going to happen every week, and I really believe that things happen throughout the season to prepare you for stuff that’s going to happen later on in the season. You take tough losses sometimes; sometimes you get lucky and win. I think when your time is meant to be, then it will happen.”