Judd Trump has already matched his entire title tally from last season by clinching the Shanghai Masters, defeating Kyren Wilson 11-6 in Sunday's final. The world number one's victory, his second Shanghai Masters title after his 2024 triumph, comes after a relatively quiet 2025/26 campaign by his high standards, when his only ranking title was the German Masters. Trump's path to the final included a 6-4 win over Barry Hawkins, a dominant 6-0 whitewash of John Higgins, and a 10-6 semi-final victory over reigning world champion Wu Yize.
Trump's dominant run and key stats
Trump's performance against Higgins in the last 16 was particularly emphatic, as he compiled breaks of 97, 60, 53, 152, 128 and 102, with the Scottish legend failing to score a point in five of the six frames. In the final, Trump managed six half-centuries and a high break of 82, but he was pleased to demonstrate that he could win even when not at his fluent best, citing more difficult table conditions.
This victory is especially significant given Wilson's recent dominance over Trump. Wilson had beaten Trump in three finals and a Masters semi-final during the 2024/25 season, making this win a crucial psychological boost for Trump as he aims for a more successful campaign ahead.
Trump's confidence and equipment changes
Reflecting on his win, Trump told WST: 'I think the last time I won Shanghai I had a great season after that. You need to be winning events like this to test yourself against the best but it also gives you the most confidence as well. I think if I am to have a great season it was important I got off to a good start. I've done that now I just need to do the rest.'
Trump also credited his off-season work with new Vortex Tips, which he believes have improved his spin and feel on the table. He said: 'I've been spending the off-season trying to get more spin because when you come to Shanghai it's a bit heavier and trickier to get the feel of the table. It seemed to be paying off, in the first few games. I played as good as I have done for a while.'
Wilson's perspective and what's next
Wilson, who had beaten Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong en route to the final, rued a missed opportunity in the sixth frame, where he missed an easy ball on 66, allowing Trump to step in and make 67 to pinch the frame. Wilson admitted: 'It should really have been 5-5 after the first session. That is how good Judd Trump is. If you give him a chance he will punish you and when he smells blood he goes for the kill. I made it too difficult tonight, but I kept fighting.'
Wilson's 2025 Shanghai Masters title did not foreshadow a stellar season, as he struggled in ranking events, failing to progress beyond a quarter-final, though he did win the Masters. However, his early form this season suggests he may avoid a similar frustrating campaign.
Trump's next challenge is the China Open, which begins on Saturday in Taiyuan, where he will face Noppon Saengkham on Sunday. Wilson will also be in action on Monday against Aaron Hill.
