Trump's Cue Crisis: Two Weeks to Save His Season
World number one Judd Trump has issued an ultimatum to his new cue, warning he will make another equipment change if his trophy drought continues for another two weeks. The snooker star, who hasn't lifted silverware since the 2024 UK Championship, is clearly frustrated with his current form and equipment.
The Ace remains top of the world rankings despite his barren spell, which has seen him reach several finals without converting them into victories. He suffered deciding-frame defeats in both the Players Championship and Northern Ireland Open finals earlier this year, while also making a World Championship semi-final appearance.
The Equipment Dilemma
Trump's struggles appear closely linked to his decision to change cues earlier this season, switching to new wood for the first time in seven years. After securing victories against Bai Yulu and Lei Peifan in his Champion of Champions group on Monday, the 30-time ranking event winner suggested his two-month-old cue might be retired by November's end if results don't improve.
'Not good,' Trump told ITV4 when assessing his recent performances. 'I'm struggling a little bit with my cue, with the tip and the conditions weren't great either. So not a good combination.'
He elaborated on his technical issues, explaining: 'I'm hitting the ball where I want to hit it and it just doesn't go in at the moment. The tip's very flat so the ball is throwing off a little bit.'
The cue now faces a two-tournament reprieve - this week's Champion of Champions in Leicester and next week's Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. Should Trump fail to win either event and stick to his plan, he'll debut another new cue at the UK Championship, creating significant pressure at a major tournament.
Multiple Factors Behind the Slump
Trump identified several elements contributing to his challenging period, including disrupted practice routines. 'My brother's not been able to come to Dubai because of visa problems for the last two months so my practice is probably the least I've practiced in the last six years,' he revealed.
Perhaps more controversially, Trump joined other professionals in criticising pocket sizes on the professional tour. 'I think the main thing is the pockets are so big at the moment I find it hard that the better player doesn't always win on the big pockets,' he stated.
He expressed frustration that 'you're getting people that miss and it still goes in,' comparing conditions to 'nine ball' where 'whoever gets in wins the frame.'
Trump's comments echo concerns raised by other top players, including Neil Robertson, who described pockets at last week's International Championship as 'very disappointing.'
Despite these challenges, Trump's season hasn't been without highlights - he compiled a 147 maximum break at October's Xi'an Grand Prix, one of 14 maximums already recorded this season.
As the snooker world watches closely, Trump faces a critical fortnight that could determine whether he persists with his current equipment or takes the risky decision to change cues ahead of one of the season's most prestigious tournaments.
