Judd Trump: 'I feel like I belong there' - Two-time champion looks ahead to Masters as he seeks fourth title of season

Updated 06/01/2024 at 14:10 GMT

Judd Trump has revealed that the Masters is his favourite tournament of the snooker calendar, and that he feels a sense of belonging every time he plays at the event. Trump, who has been the standout player on the tour this year, is aiming for a third Masters title, having won the trophy in 2019 and 2023. He faces Kyren Wilson in the first round.

The moment Judd Trump sealed the Masters title

As he prepares to defend his Masters title, Judd Trump has revealed that he feels a sense of belonging every time he competes in the competition.

The Bristolian, who lifted the trophy for a second time last year after defeating Mark Williams 10-8, will play Kyren Wilson in the first round on Tuesday.

His first triumph in the tournament was back in 2019, when he beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-4 with a break of 53.

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Looking ahead to this year’s competition, Trump is relishing the chance to add a fourth title to his season, after winning the English, Wuhan, and Northern Irish Opens at the back end of 2023.

“It has grown into my favourite event," he admitted to WST. "Especially in the last five years since I won it in 2019, I feel really comfortable there as if I’m playing at home.

“I enjoy the atmosphere, it is completely different to any other tournament. It is more like a rowdy football game with a lot more passion.

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“When everyone is clapping and cheering then it relaxes me. I feel like I belong there and at that point it is my time to shine.

“It is an amazing feeling walking out as defending champion. I can’t wait to get back there.

“It is always special, but to go there having won it last year is a different kind of reception. It brings a bit of added pressure because I don’t want to go out in the first round.

“I love the feeling of winning and I absolutely hate the feeling of losing. I think that is what spurs me on. The feeling of going home every time without the trophy is just absolutely horrendous. Winning surpasses everything.

“I don’t want to look back at the end of my career and have missed events and not practised enough.”

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Stream the 2024 Masters live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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