Judd Trump on 'extremely difficult' Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby struggles - 'You don't know where to go'
Published 14/01/2025 at 17:39 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby were open and honest as they chatted about the mental health side of elite snooker. After his opening Masters victory on Monday, Judd Trump weighed in on the discussion and admitted that "everyone struggles" at some stage, while success on the tour can come at a cost. "[When] you get brought back to reality, I think it's very hard to deal with," he said.
'Everyone struggles' - Trump speaks up on mental health after O'Sullivan, Selby discussion
Video credit: TNT Sports
Judd Trump has given his thoughts on the mental health struggles players face at the top level of snooker after Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby had an open and honest discussion alongside Eurosport expert Alan McManus.
Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan claimed that many players "suffer in silence" behind the scenes during the snooker season because the sport is "tough" mentally.
After his opening-round Masters victory against Barry Hawkins, Trump was asked about his thoughts on the subject and how he deals with the mental side of the sport.
"Everyone struggles at points in their career, especially when you're not winning or achieving what you know you can," he told Eurosport.
"When you have the success of Ronnie and Mark and then you get brought back to reality, I think it's very hard to deal with.
"When you go from winning the World Championship every year, or winning multiple events, and then you can't quite turn it on but you're not doing anything different... you don't know where to go sometimes.
"I'm very proud that I've kind of always maintained a balance and not driven myself mad with results. I've been able to keep this very consistent level of mentality throughout my career."
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‘Chess with balls!’ - O’Sullivan, McManus and Selby in must-watch mental health discussion
Video credit: TNT Sports
O'Sullivan has won 23 Triple Crown titles and is widely considered the greatest snooker player of all time.
Selby is not far behind in terms of success, having won four World Championships, three Triple Crown events and two UK Championship titles.
Both players have had glittering careers and 2019 world champion Trump feels that success has its price.
"I think it is extremely difficult, the pressure that Ronnie has been under for the last 35 years, it's extremely difficult," the 35-year-old added.
"He's expected to win every game he plays in, and just with the success that Mark had, the World Championships, the Masters... he was unbeatable for five years.
"I think they are both amazing players, I hope they both get back very happy, very soon, back on the table and competing against them."
- 'Forgotten about' - Trump feels achievements 'not appreciated'
- 'Chess with balls' - O'Sullivan compares Selby to chess icon Kasparov
O'Sullivan withdrew from this year's Masters event at Alexandra Palace on medical grounds and later admitted that he "lost the plot" in the build-up to the tournament.
The 49-year-old also called on the World Snooker Tour to hire a full-time mental health professional to support players who feel they need it.
As for Selby, he is into the quarter-finals after a brilliant showing against Ali Carter, who he defeated 6-1 on Monday to progress in his search for a fourth Masters crown.
Watch and stream The Masters live on Eurosport and discovery+
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