Judd Trump labels John Higgins rivalry 'one of the best I've had' ahead of Wuhan Open clash
Published 08/10/2024 at 21:59 GMT+1
Judd Trump says his rivalry with John Higgins is one of his “best in snooker”, adding that he will need to be at his best to claim a spot in the Wuhan Open quarter-finals. The pair have met in world finals in 2011 and 2019, with Higgins winning the former and Trump winning the latter. However, Trump – the world No.1 and defending champion in Wuhan – has won six of their last 10 encounters.
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Judd Trump has labelled his rivalry with John Higgins as one of his “best in snooker” ahead of the pair's last-16 showdown at the Wuhan Open.
World No.1 Trump dispatched Anthony McGill 5-2 on Tuesday to set up a heavyweight clash with Higgins.
The pair have met in world finals in 2011 and 2019, with Higgins winning the former and Trump winning the latter.
However, Trump – a 29-time ranking event winner – leads the head-to-head between the duo, having claimed six of their last 10 encounters.
On his rivalry with Higgins, Trump said, courtesy of World Snooker Tour: “I find it easier playing John because I know I have to play at my absolute best to stand a chance.
“John is in good form and I will have to play well and improve if I am going to win.
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“I think, at this moment in time, we have had the best games against each other of anyone. He has been one of the best rivalries I’ve had in snooker.
“If you look at the top five or ten games I’ve been involved in, then at least two or three are with him. There have been some great memories in the games between us.”
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Trump, the defending champion in Wuhan, has featured in 14 tournaments so far this calendar year.
Should he beat Higgins on Wednesday, he would have reached at least the quarter-final stage of each of them.
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Elsewhere, China’s Ding Junhui continued his strong form with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Yuan Sijun.
“Chinese players are improving their technical skills and gaining more experience, they are getting better,” Ding said. “They have become familiar with the different styles of players and Chinese competitors stand out in various events now.”
Ding has set up a clash with Chris Wakelin, who dispatched David Lilley 5-0.
Meanwhile, Jack Lisowski brushed aside world finalist Jak Jones 5-1 and will now face Wu Yize in the last-16.
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