Judd Trump finally ended a 13-year wait to lift the UK Championship trophy, securing a sweet £1 million Christmas bonus in the process. The world No.1 has been the standout performer in snooker this season, winning more than £1 million in prize money from just ten events since the summer. Despite facing stiff competition from reigning world champion Kyren Wilson and snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, Trump is currently considered the best player in the world. His hard-fought 10-8 victory over Barry Hawkins in front of 1,200 fans at the Barbican sealed his success.
In his post-match interview, Hawkins expressed his disappointment at being the runner-up but acknowledged the experience and the support he received from fans. He remains optimistic about his future in the sport and is focused on continuing to improve his game. Despite the loss, Hawkins showed sportsmanship in congratulating Trump on his performance, describing him as a phenomenal player who deserved the win. The defeat has not dampened Hawkins’ determination, and he is looking forward to future challenges, including facing Trump again in the Masters.
Trump’s victory not only ended his long wait for the UK Championship title but also earned him his 30th ranking title, placing him fourth in the all-time list of winners. Additionally, he received a remarkable £250,000 prize money, pushing his total earnings for the season above £1 million. The champion expressed relief at finally winning the trophy after 13 years and admitted to feeling worried about potentially facing the ‘worst loss of all time’ as Hawkins put up a strong fight. Trump commended his opponent for making the final a challenging contest and acknowledged the tough draw he faced throughout the tournament.
Hawkins, despite feeling heartbreak at coming up short in the final, reflected on his impressive week and the opportunity to compete against the best player in the world. He recognized the need to be more clinical in his play and admitted that losing to Trump, the number one player, was no disgrace. Hawkins remained positive about his performance and the experience gained from reaching the final, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing as a player. Despite the outcome, Hawkins took pride in his achievements and vowed to continue working hard to achieve success in future competitions.
The win marked Trump’s 30th ranking title and reaffirmed his position as one of the top players in the sport. With his impressive performance in the UK Championship, Trump showcased his skill, resilience, and determination to succeed at the highest level. The champion received accolades for his remarkable achievement and his ability to rise to the occasion in a challenging competition. As he celebrates his victory and reflects on his journey, Trump looks ahead to future tournaments with confidence and a desire to maintain his position as the best snooker player in the world.
