Judd Trump makes cue admission after sealing UK Championship semi-final spot as Alan McManus declares world No. 1 is back
Published 05/12/2025 at 20:10 GMT
Much has been made of Judd Trump reverting to his old cue, as he looks to win back-to-back UK Championship titles, which would be his first ranking event success since his York triumph 12 months ago. Speaking to TNT Sports after defeating Ding Junhui 6-2 in the quarter-finals, Trump said his run so far in the competition has made him realise his cue "wasn't as bad as I made out".
'Maybe it was me' - Trump on realisation old cue 'wasn't as bad as I made out'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Judd Trump said reverting to his old cue has made him realise "it wasn't as bad as I made out", while Alan McManus declared the world No. 1 is "back".
Trump reached the UK Championship semi-finals with a 6-2 comeback victory against Ding Junhui on Friday. He is searching for his first ranking title since winning at the York Barbican 12 months ago.
Trump opted to switch his cue at the start of this season, citing his desire for "more power", and saying his old equipment was becoming less suitable to the conditions of venues in the current tour climate.
But for the UK Championship, where he is a two-time winner, Trump has gone back to his old cue - the one which helped him win his maiden world title in 2019 - and he told TNT Sports of his realisation this week in York.
"Going back to this cue has made me think maybe it wasn't as bad as I made out in the first place. Maybe it was me," Trump laughed.
Trump also spoke of his cueing action, which has previously been a point of contention due to its unorthodox style.
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"The way I cue the ball is so individual, and every time I strike it's always with a tiny bit of right-hand side," Trump explained.
"It's something I've been so used to. Other people, it's a little bit easier because they strike the ball in the middle every shot, they can change cues all the time, because they hit the ball so repetitive.
"I've been very good at knowing my strengths and weaknesses over the years. I'm someone who has tinkered with my cue action less than any other player on the tour, because I can't afford to.
"When I come back I have to move a certain way to hit the ball perfect. If I'm doing that and changing cues, it gets confusing."
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While Trump's victory over Ding was a far from fluid encounter, it showcased a grit which had perhaps been missing in recent months. He won six straight frames from 2-0 down to set up a semi-final against Neil Robertson.
On the win, Trump said: "It was a bit of a scrappy game. Some good, some bad, massive frame at 2-0, so I was very pleased with how I was able to make a break.
"I recognised the situation, if I was 3-0, it was probably all over. He wasn't missing much, his position was perfect, but he left me a very easy chance, and I was trying not to lose my head at that point."
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"He's back. He's playing really well," McManus said of Trump after his victory on Friday afternoon.
The TNT Sports expert has been full of praise for the world No. 1 throughout the week, with victories over tricky opposition in the form of Stephen Maguire and Si Jiahui - and has earmarked The Ace as "favourite" to win the tournament.
Gary Wilson, who joined TNT Sports' studio coverage of Friday's action, also felt Trump was returning to his very best.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
"You can see Judd is slowly feeling more confident again," Wilson said. "There were shots in that game, certain long shots, where that was the Judd we've seen for a long time, and we haven't quite been seeing that in the last couple of months.
"There was a couple of scrappy frames, but Judd's long potting was the difference."
Trump is looking for a sixth Triple Crown title of his career in York.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the 49th UK Championship, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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