Judd Trump says he ‘wouldn’t get out of bed’ for breakaway snooker tour but admits Ronnie O’Sullivan departure would ‘harm’ the sport
- 2019 world champion Trump said he was booked for separatist tour
- This would likely be a series of lucrative exhibitions outside of the World Snooker Tour.
- O’Sullivan admitted last week he would be tempted by a new competition
Snooker star Judd Trump has said he “won’t get out of bed” for a breakaway tour with the 2019 world champion showcasing the “history and heritage” of the sport.
There have been rumors that some of the sport’s biggest names could be tempted to leave the current World Snooker Tour (WST) and take part in a more lucrative exhibition series.
But Trump, 34, who beat Tom Ford 13-7 to reach the Crucible quarter-finals on Saturday, said he had already rejected offers to leave the WST.
“A few people tried to contact me and it didn’t bother me,” he said.
“It was a few months ago. These people came to my brother and he said to him: “Will you listen? and I was like, “No, (just tell them to) leave.”
Judd Trump says he has no interest in joining separatist snooker tour to play exhibitions
2019 world champion Trump, 34, is one of the most popular players on the snooker circuit.
Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn tours new countries
“I’m very happy where I am. I need something with history, heritage; I need something to play for.
“I wouldn’t get out of bed for a series of exhibitions. I want the biggest challenges.
“I’m looking forward to playing in more different places and I hope World Snooker can take us to new territories.”
The WST recently held an event in Saudi Arabia for the first time and an event in Qatar is planned for the first half of 2025, with interest growing in the Middle East.
Former WST chairman Barry Hearn has said tour prize money will exceed £20million next season.
There is nothing in the WST rules that prohibits players from participating in other events, as long as they do not conflict with existing WST competitions.
Asked if the separatist approach came from China, Trump added: “I don’t know, I haven’t even gotten that far.” That doesn’t interest me at all.
“I am in the prime of my life. If I was older and at the end of my career it might be different, but I don’t want to waste my life on exhibition matches.
“I would be much happier to earn my money than to receive it. Where I’m at in my career, how I’m playing and what success I’ve had, I feel like I can win this money and really have a sense of accomplishment.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he would be tempted by new events
“It’s something my mom and dad would want too. My mom and dad would be prouder if I did it that way.
Trump also dismissed any possibility of a LIV Golf split within snooker and said seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was the only player whose exit would harm the WST.
“I don’t think there’s any real concern. I don’t think there are enough players or names that could do damage, Ronnie is the only one if he leaves.
“I don’t think people are that bothered by anyone else. What I established in the game alongside Ronnie, if I stay here the tour will be a strong place.
In contrast, O’Sullivan, 48, hinted earlier this week that he would listen to offers from elsewhere.
O’Sullivan is snooker’s biggest star and said last week he would be ready to walk away
“Every player has the right to do what they want. If I don’t get what I want, am I ready to give up sport? The answer is yes,” he said.
“I want to be taken care of, I want to be pampered. Anyone who wants to pamper me and take care of me, I am your man. I’m an open book.
‘I’m here – best offer, come and talk to me, you can find my details on Instagram. First come, first served will be my policy until I stop playing.
O’Sullivan began his second round match against Ryan Day on Sunday morning.
