Trump rejects offer to join breakaway snooker tour

Former world champion Judd Trump has revealed he rejected an approach to join a potential breakaway snooker tour, saying he was "not interested one bit".

There has been speculation the sport's biggest names could be tempted to leave the existing World Snooker Tour (WST) and play in lucrative events elsewhere.

But world number two Trump, the 2019 Crucible winner, said he instantly refused and there was no chance he would quit the WST.

"A few people tried to contact me and I couldn't be bothered," said the 34-year-old. "It was a few months ago. These people came to my brother and he said, 'Do you want to listen?' and I was like, 'No, just [tell them to] go away'.

"I'm very happy where I am. I need something with history, heritage; I need something to play for.

"I wouldn't get out of bed for an exhibition kind of series. I want the biggest challenges. I look forward to playing in more different places and hopefully World Snooker can take us to new territories."

WST rules state players are free to compete in any event, as long as they do not clash with existing WST competitions.

Earlier this week, influential former chairman Barry Hearn said the tour would pass the £20m prize money mark next season, with the pot having been £3.5m when he gained control of snooker in 2010.

The sport has long held major events in China and Asia, and interest in snooker is rapidly growing in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia having hosted its first WST tournament in March and Qatar lined up to stage an event in the first half of 2025.

Asked if the breakaway tour approach had come from China, Trump said: "I don't know, I didn't even get that far. I'm not interested one bit.

"I'm in my prime. If I was older and at the end of my career maybe it would be different, but I don't want to waste my prime on exhibition matches.

"I would be a lot happier winning my money than being gifted it. Where I am in my career, how I'm playing and the success I've been having, I feel I can earn this money and really have a sense of achievement.

"That's something my mum and dad would want as well. My mum and dad would be more proud if I did it that way."

Ronnie O'Sullivan this month agreed a three-year ambassadorial deal with WST and Riyadh Season. Part of that contract will involve him mentoring aspiring players in the Middle East, while it also incorporates a commitment to play every WST event in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV tour in golf has effectively split that sport in two, but Trump felt the same thing could not happen in snooker as not enough key players would be interested in leaving the WST.

"I don't think there's any real worry," added Trump, who sealed a 13-7 win against Tom Ford on Saturday to move into the quarter-finals of the World Championship.

"I don't think there's enough players or names that could do damage. Ronnie is the only one if he left.

"I don't think people are that bothered by anyone else. What I've established in the game alongside Ronnie, if I'm staying here the tour will be a strong place."

Earlier this week, O'Sullivan said he was open to any proposition and urged players to do what was best for them.

"There's talk there might be another tour," said the 48-year-old seven-time world champion. "Every player has the right to do what they want. If I didn't get what I want, am I prepared to walk away from the sport? The answer is yes.

"I want to be looked after, want to be pampered. Anyone who wants to pamper me and look after me, I'm your man. I'm an open book. I'm here - best offer, come speak to me, you'll find my contact details on Instagram. First come, first served, that will be my policy until I stop playing."

O'Sullivan used the example of a friend who he said works for the NHS but has been offered "three or four times her salary to go and work in Australia".

"We all have families to feed," added O'Sullivan. "She's just going for the better pay, that's what happens sometimes. We live in a competitive world, so it's great."