Judd Trump waved goodbye to the UK this season, with plans to split his time between Hong Kong and Dubai. The Ace In The Pack, a dominant figure in recent snooker history, currently sits atop the World Snooker Tour’s rankings and faces Shaun Murphy for a place in the World Championship quarter-finals.
However, the Bristol-born cueist has opted for a change of scenery. Trump announced in January that he has established residency in Hong Kong, where he will live with his girlfriend, figure skater and TV host Maisy Ma. While he won’t be permanently based in the former British colony, instead dividing his time with Dubai, where he also holds residency, the 35-year-old continues to express affection for the region that holds a special place in his heart.
In a surprising twist towards the end of 2024, it was disclosed that another snooker legend, Ronnie O’Sullivan, would also become a resident of Hong Kong. The Rocket secured residency through a specific migrant scheme, and in January, it was confirmed that Trump had followed suit.
Both reportedly obtained residency via a ‘quality migrant admission scheme’, and Trump has been effusive in his praise for the region and his reasons for wanting to spend his time there.
“Everything really,” Trump gushed when asked about his attraction to Hong Kong. “The food, the environment, the buildings, everything there is so special. In the middle of everything it is the hustle and bustle, then you drive 15 minutes and you have the beaches, you have the weather. It is such a nice place.
“The first few times I went there, perhaps I didn’t realise quite how much it had to offer. It is so nice for me to be able to have that base. Without all of these tournaments in China – and probably without Ding [Junhui] having all the success he has had – I wouldn’t be able to have that opportunity.”
Another key factor in Trump spending ample time around Hong Kong could be his off-the-baize romantic ties. Trump’s girlfriend Ma, 25, isn’t just a prominent figure skater but also a TV host.
Notably based in Hong Kong, she has donned her country’s colours in international figure skating contests.
Trump has spoken highly of Ma’s impact on his decision to consider Hong Kong a home-away-from-home, telling Metro: “She [Ma] is used to being in the limelight herself, she still does TV work. It’s a good balance because she knows what I’m going through, I think that helps as well.”
Trump is also setting up shop in Dubai, with the intention of making the Middle Eastern state his primary base, which will be separate from his partner’s residence in Hong Kong.
“My main base will be in Dubai, but my girlfriend lives in Hong Kong,” Trump revealed. “I have residence in both Dubai and Hong Kong, so I’ll be split between them depending on where the tournaments are. It’s very different, completely different from what I’m used to. I’m used to my old life of just going to practice and then sitting at home all night, every day.
“I wouldn’t have expected this, but my life has really changed for the better. I am able to enjoy myself a bit more off the table. It is nice to be living in a warmer climate and being able to experience that and the different cultures. I am in a good place off the table, and that is why I have been consistent over the past five or six years.”
