Judd Trump could be set for a frosty return to Alexandra Palace this week after launching a scathing attack on the BBC commentators at last year’s Masters. The 34-year-old, who is the defending champion after beating Mark Williams in the 2023 final, will begin his campaign against Kyren Wilson in the opening round on Tuesday.
Trump is among the favourites to lift the prestigious Masters trophy but will be hoping to steer clear of the controversy he found himself wrapped up in at last year’s event. He made the headlines by taking aim at the BBC’s coverage in a scathing rant, accusing the ‘selfish’ commentators of not watching much snooker outside of the main competitions.
“It’s just disappointing when some people at the BBC events don’t do their homework, they don’t know what’s going on,” said Trump.
“You don’t get that in any other sport. Everyone in golf, tennis, the people know every single thing that’s been going on all year. I just feel that people need to try harder, work at it, be a little bit less selfish and do a bit more homework to try and build the game up.”
It remains to be seen if Trump will be able to repeat last year’s heroics at the Masters by wrapping up his second title at Alexandra Palace in as many years. He will face stiff competition from the likes of Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O’Sullivan, who made light work of Ding Jinhui in the opening round on Monday.
Speaking ahead of his return to the Masters, Trump revealed that he hopes the unique atmosphere generated at the tournament will help spur him on to another successful campaign.
“It has grown into my favourite event,” he told WST. “I enjoy the atmosphere, it is completely different to any other tournament. It is more like a rowdy football game with a lot more passion. When everyone is clapping and cheering, then it relaxes me. I feel like I belong there and at that point it is my time to shine.
“I love the feeling of winning and I absolutely hate the feeling of losing. I think that is what spurs me on, the feeling of going home every time without the trophy is just absolutely horrendous. Winning surpasses everything. I don’t want to look back at the end of my career and have missed events and not practiced enough.”
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