Current world snooker number one Judd Trump has disclosed that he finds himself essentially without a permanent home after being compelled to depart Dubai because of the escalating regional conflict. Trump, who moved to Dubai from the United Kingdom in January 2024, also regularly spends periods in Hong Kong. Just two months prior, he explained his relocation was motivated by superior climatic conditions and enhanced snooker training facilities available there.
Forced Departure from Dubai
However, since hostilities intensified in the Middle East involving the United States and Iran, Trump has been forced to vacate his Dubai residence. The 36-year-old snooker champion has recently been in Thailand, engaging in practice sessions before travelling to Yushan, China, for the World Open tournament that commenced on Monday.
A State of Uncertainty
Opening up about his precarious situation, Trump revealed that both he and his brother Jack, who resides in Dubai, are now practically homeless. As reported by The Sun, the former world champion stated: 'I had to leave [Dubai]. So we went to Bangkok. Yeah, it's a bit up in the air at the moment really. I don't really think I can go back at the moment, just in case I get stuck there.'
Trump, who had been living in Dubai for over two years, moved away specifically due to the US-Iran tensions. He added: '[I'm] just kind of looking for somewhere else to live at the moment. At the moment I'll just base myself in Bangkok. There's some good practice there. Very well looked after. It's just all a bit play it day-by-day at the moment.'
Brother's Ordeal and Daily Struggles
He further elaborated on the challenges faced by his brother, saying: 'My brother was stuck in Dubai for a little bit so that wasn't good. Luckily he's got out now and hopefully things turn around.' Trump managed to maintain his training regimen in Thailand, stating: 'I managed to practise in Thailand and dedicate myself like I normally would. Just trying to make the best of a bad situation.'
Reflecting on the instability, he confessed: 'It's just difficult at the moment because you don't know where I'm going to be living. Every day is different. Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks really. It's not nice to be not at home, not knowing what you're going to do. I don't know what I'm going to do after this and stuff like that.'
Despite the upheaval, Trump remains focused on his professional commitments, concluding: 'It's just play it day by day, trying my best when I'm out there playing snooker. Away from the table, just take the positives.'
