Northern Ireland Open 2025: Judd Trump 'instils' winning mentality of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams - 'They want to eat you alive'

Judd Trump explained he is trying to instil a special trait from legendary snooker trio Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams and John Higgins - their sheer determination to win. Trump beat Higgins on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open and said he felt better about his form. The climax of the tournament in Belfast is live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'They'll do absolutely anything' - Trump on O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams' winning mentality

Video credit: TNT Sports

Judd Trump continued his bid for a record-extending fifth Northern Ireland Open crown when he defeated John Higgins in the quarter-finals on Friday.

After going into the interval locked at 2-2, Trump ran away with the match to book his spot in the semi-finals, where he will play either Mark Allen or Jordan Brown on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Following his dominant last-16 victory over Gary Wilson on Thursday, Trump insisted he was "very, very, very far from my best".

International Championship

'Man down' - Williams withdraws from International Championship due to illness

8 hours ago

A day later, though, he felt much better about his form, telling TNT Sports he "barely missed anything" as he drew confidence from winning matches against the best players.

"It's nice when you get to the quarter-final, semi-final, you're playing the top, top players and it really sharpens you up," Trump said.

"Just having John sat in the corner sharpened me up. Even though you try and play the table, sometimes it's harder to get up for other players, but when you've got a legend of the game sat opposite you, you know you can't make any mistakes."

'A dash to the line' as 'wonderful' Trump books semi-final spot with century

Video credit: TNT Sports

Trump continued his praise of Higgins, who he has met in two World Championship finals, one he lost in 2011 and then one he won in 2019.

Trump grouped Higgins with two other superstars, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams, from the "Class of 92" saying they "will do absolutely anything" to win.

"I know everybody wants to win, but there are three people who want to win more than anyone," Trump explained.

"John Higgins, Ronnie and Mark Williams. Honestly, I can see it in their faces. They're so determined to win, they'll do absolutely anything, all three of them.

"They all play it off a little bit differently. John doesn't hide the fact, Mark and Ronnie lie to themselves a bit, but I just try to instil that into my game.

"They're so different, but they're all the same. They want to eat you alive and win in any way possible."

Trump joked that he "might have seven World Championships" if every tournament was played in Belfast.

He has won the Northern Ireland Open four times, in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023, and spoke about his special connection with the fans at the Waterfront Hall.

"There's definitely a connection, definitely a feeling of where you feel the most love, I think, is where you play the best," he said.

"I don't know what it is, but you just feel like you want to play better for the crowd when you have that support behind you."

On the venue, he added: "I think this is probably up there with the Masters. I think this venue is incredible, especially in the one table set-up."

'Hang on!' - Trump kicks off Belfast blockbuster against Higgins with fluke

Video credit: TNT Sports

Watch and stream top snooker action, including the 2025 Northern Ireland Open, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

Halo World Championship

O’Sullivan has his 'game together' and tipped to secure record Crucible win

12 hours ago

BetVictor Northern Ireland Open

'I feel like I'm dreaming' - Emotional Lisowski revels in first title win

Yesterday at 23:01

Thoughts?