Judd Trump: German Masters champion withdraws from upcoming Welsh Open, replaced by Duane Jones

Updated 06/02/2024 at 22:46 GMT

Judd Trump will not be taking part in next week's Welsh Open, with Welshman Duane Jones his replacement. Trump, who recently won the German Masters for his fourth title of the season, was due to play Liam Highfield on the opening day of the event in Llandudno on Monday, February 12. The Welsh Open is live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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Judd Trump has withdrawn from next week’s Welsh Open and been replaced by Duane Jones.

Fresh from winning the German Masters with a 10-5 victory over Si Jiahui - the 27th ranking title of his career - Trump was scheduled to play Liam Highfield on the opening day of the event in Llandudno on Monday, February 12.

No reason has been given for Trump's withdrawal but it will be seen as a major blow for tournament organisers, with the in-form 'Ace in the Pack' searching for a fifth title of the season.

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He has been the standout player on the tour this season, making 66 centuries - 28 more than the next best - with Dave Hendon describing him as "one of snooker’s main men".

Trump has recently revealed he is relishing a battle with Ronnie O'Sullivan for the world No. 1 spot for the rest of the campaign.

"It's nice to be up there challenging again for that No. 1 spot come the end of the season," said Trump.

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"If me and Ronnie keep that same form, it'll be a good battle and hopefully we can meet in a few more finals before the end of the season."

O'Sullivan has been handed a first-round match with Liam Graham, just two months after the Scottish teenager criticised the world No. 1 for withdrawing at the last minute from their scheduled Scottish Open meeting.

The world No. 1 also withdrew from the German Masters, stressing he wanted to put his "health and wellbeing” first.

Robert Milkins will begin the defence of his title against Jamie Jones, while Mark Allen meets Cao Yupeng in a repeat of the recent Shoot Out final won by Allen.

Last week, Stuart Bingham and Zhou Yuelong were eliminated from the Welsh Open qualifying after losing to Marco Fu and Adam Duffy respectively. Jimmy White was beaten 4-1 by Dominic Dale.

Si made sure of his place in Wales with a 4-2 win over Stephen Maguire, while Tom Ford clinched the decider in an all-English clash with Ben Woollaston.

The Welsh Open will take place from February 12 to 18 at Venue Cymru.