Ronnie O’Sullivan said Judd Trump was “the worst I’ve ever seen him” after beating his rival in the Masters of Snooker semi-final in Saudi Arabia. In a contest where both players were below their best, it was the ‘Rocket’ who comfortably cruised through 4-1, setting up a final with Luca Brecel.
After a century break had opened up a 2-0 lead, the world No.1 lost momentum and Trump pulled a frame back – before blowing an opportunity to level the match on a costly missed green. That moment summed up his performance, regularly failing to take chances while his usually reliable positional play deserted him.
And O’Sullivan wasn’t about to let him forget about it. In his post-match interview with Eurosport, the 48-year-old said: “It wasn’t great (the match). Judd was probably the worst I’ve ever seen him.
“I think I dragged him down to my level and that’s what I seem to be doing most of the season. I played really well last night and had a bit of expectation thinking I could come in here and put two matches back-toback playing well – but that’s put that out the window.”
O’Sullivan also claimed he was more concerned with playing well in the final than he was with winning, and dismissed the idea he’d he heading to the practice table during the 60-minute interval. “I think I’ll go for a few cigarettes after that performance,” he joked.
Trump, 34, also pulled no punches when asked about his display. “I didn’t play very well,” he replied. “I felt terrible and I felt shaky. Its the worst I’ve played in a long time and even when he was leaving me chances I knew I was going to miss.”
O’Sullivan will now take on Belgian world champion Brecel, who had earlier come through 4-2 against Mark Allen. And like his opponent, he wasn’t planning on getting too pumped up while he waited for the final either.
“I love to play GTA (Grand Theft Auto computer game) at the moment,” he said, when asked how he would be filling in the time. “I’m playing San Andreas while I’m here.”
The winner of the tournament will bank £250,000 for their efforts in Riyadh. The runner-up meanwhile, is set to take home £125,000 – although the £375,000 prize for a maximum 167 ‘golden ball’ break remains on the table.
