Snooker champion Judd Trump has revealed a significant personal challenge he is facing since his high-profile relocation to Dubai, mirroring a similar move made by fellow snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Brother's Visa Problems Disrupt Practice Regime
The world number one has identified his brother Jack's ongoing visa complications as a primary reason for his recent struggles on the baize. Jack Trump is not just a sibling but a crucial part of Judd's professional setup, acting as his practice partner, travel companion, and confidant.
Trump explained that his brother has been unable to join him in Dubai for the last two months due to these issues. This absence has led to the snooker star practising less than at any point in the last six years. "It's very hard to practice with the same intensity," Trump admitted to ITV during the Champion of Champions event in Leicester, where he has reached the semi-finals.
Form Dip and Other Frustrations
Despite maintaining a comfortable lead at the top of the world rankings, Trump has endured a relatively disappointing start to the 2024/25 season. His last ranking title was the UK Championship almost a year ago.
While he insists his move to the Middle East in early 2024—splitting his time between Dubai and Hong Kong, where his girlfriend lives—is not directly to blame, he pointed to other factors affecting his game.
He expressed frustration with the current size of the pockets on tournament tables, suggesting they diminish the advantage for the more skilled player. "Now you're getting people that miss and it still goes in. It's quite frustrating," he said, comparing the dynamic to nine-ball pool.
Compounding these issues is his struggle to adapt to a new cue that is just two months old. Trump revealed he is having trouble with the tip and the conditions, causing the ball to throw off unexpectedly. He has even contemplated changing the cue if his results do not improve in the upcoming tournaments.
A New Life in the Sun
Trump's relocation follows in the footsteps of his rival, Ronnie O'Sullivan, who also moved to Dubai earlier this year. For Trump, trips back to the UK are now primarily for competitions, marking a significant lifestyle change for the Bristol-born player.
This shift, coupled with the unexpected hurdle of his brother's visa problems, presents a new set of challenges for the snooker star as he aims to return to his title-winning ways.
