How Judd Trump aims to peak for 'big, big events' as he opens Masters challenge with three-century blitz of Ding Junhui

After going through 2025 without winning a trophy, Judd Trump is looking to get back in the winner's circle, and he kicked off his Masters challenge with victory over Ding Junhui. The world No. 1 is extremely happy with his form as he looks forward to a meeting with Mark Allen. Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

‘Finishing with a flourish' - Trump wraps up win with third ton of match

Video credit: TNT Sports

Majors are the driving force for Judd Trump in the second half of his career, and the world No. 1 will look to tailor his schedule to ensure he is at peak form for snooker’s elite events.

Trump opened his bid for a third Masters title with a three-century blitz of Ding Junhui at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.

"Ding did not do that much wrong", according to Trump, but the 2011 Masters winner had no answer as his opponent raced through the final three frames to set up a meeting with Mark Allen in the quarter-finals.

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Trump has amassed 30 ranking titles since turning professional in 2005, but is down the all-time list in terms of Triple Crown events with five.

Playing tournaments and winning them has been a driving force for Trump, but he told TNT Sports following his victory over Ding that the time has come to tinker with his schedule in a bid to prolong his career.

"You just have to dictate by how you are feeling," Trump said. "When you put in a performance like that, it must be right."

Now based in Dubai, Trump says travelling to events on a regular basis has become difficult.

Trump said: "It is hard to get that perfect schedule, but I feel over the last few years I have struggled to turn up to every single event.

"It has become harder being in Dubai, flying there and back all the time, which is trickier than being in the UK.

"I feel a lot fresher and when I am at events I feel more determined and more hungry to do well.

"I feel like I have achieved what I wanted to achieve and now is the time to peak a little bit more for the big, big events.

"In my eyes, I love winning, so it is hard to distinguish between which is a big event and which isn’t. They are all big to me.

"But I am at an age now, I have been a pro for 20 years. So I need to really pace myself as I go into the later stages of my career."

‘A really good recovery' - Trump keeps break going with fine red

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Trump did not win a tournament in 2025 - his first barren year since 2013 - but he was beaten in a series of finals.

He feels his form is good and is determined to have a big week at Alexandra Palace.

"I think everything is fine," Trump said. "I feel confident, I have got to a few finals recently, and it has taken some good players to stop me.

"I am full of confidence and I hope I can go one better in this tournament."

'Looking ominously good' - Trump picks off century against Ding

Video credit: TNT Sports

Allen lies in wait for Trump in the quarter-finals, and he is looking forward to the contest at his "favourite tournament".

"I love the World Championship, but there is something different about this event," Trump said.

"When I am flying back from Dubai and I arrive, it feels different when you pull up to the venue.

"It is one of the few events where we get to play in front of such a big crowd, and it makes for a different atmosphere. It is special.

"The crowd really get behind good snooker. The crowd can really get behind you and that’s something I enjoy as I struggle at some of the quieter venues."

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Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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