(Sports Correspondent:Imran Sohail)
Judd Trump Eyes Title Defense at 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
World number one Judd Trump is set to return to the table in Jeddah as he prepares to defend his title at the 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, a prestigious ranking event offering a top prize of £500,000 — matching the winner’s cheque at the iconic Crucible Theatre.
Tournament Kicks Off in Jeddah
The high-stakes event runs from August 8th to 16th at the Green Halls, bringing together some of snooker’s elite players. As the top seed, Trump will begin his campaign in the last 32 stage, scheduled to play his first match on Tuesday. He could face tough competition, with names like Noppon Saengkham and Matthew Selt potentially on his path.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Dramatic Victory
Trump’s victory at the inaugural edition in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. In a nail-biting 10-9 final against Mark Williams, Trump snatched victory with a memorable 72 clearance after Williams missed a crucial red while leading.
“It was probably one of my best wins ever,” Trump told the World Snooker Tour. “To clear the table under that kind of pressure—it’s one of the best moments of my career.”
Trump narrowly escaped elimination early in the tournament last year, coming back from 4-0 down to beat Wu Yize. That comeback proved to be the turning point, eventually propelling him to lift the title.
A Strong Start to the Snooker Season
The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters serves as a major highlight in the early part of the snooker season. Trump believes tournaments of this stature help elevate the sport globally.
“It’s great to have a tournament with the same prize money as the World Championship,” Trump said. “Hopefully, we’ll see more events like this in the future—similar to how golf and tennis have multiple majors throughout the year.”
He added, “I’ve always enjoyed new tournaments, and for some reason, I find an extra gear when I’m playing in them.”
What’s Next for Trump?
With momentum on his side and a strong record in ranking events, Trump enters the 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters as a clear favorite. Fans around the world will be watching to see if he can repeat last year’s heroics and start his season with a significant title defense.
