Judd Trump plans to go on attack after being inspired by Ronnie O'Sullivan snooker tactic – 'He's been brilliant at it'

ByEurosport

Updated 13/07/2023 at 10:17 GMT

Judd Trump has praised the attitude of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Luca Brecel and Si Jiahui as he bids to rediscover the attacking formula that helped him lift the World Championship in 2019. Despite losing to Anthony McGll in the first round at the Crucible in April, Trump enjoyed watching the tournament. "It was one of the best World Championships for a while," said the 23-time ranking event winner.

The moment Judd Trump sealed the Masters title

Judd Trump has revealed he has been inspired by the no-nonsense style and attitude of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Luca Brecel and Si Jiahui ahead of the new snooker season.

Despite winning his second Masters title with a battling 10-8 victory over Mark Williams in January, Trump says he is looking to find a more attacking formula to ignite his fortunes.

He believes the attitude of snooker GOAT O'Sullivan to play your own game without fearing defeat provides a blueprint for any player on how to feel good about yourself on the green baize.

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Mark Allen was arguably the form player of the season in lifting the Northern Ireland Open, UK Championship and World Grand Prix, but Trump feels the grinding win-at-all-costs tactics eventually takes its toll on your approach to the game.

"Mark Allen had a brilliant season, but even towards the end, I think he was a bit fed up with the snooker he was playing to win," said Trump after starting his season by winning his Championship League group.

"It's not the same enjoyment when you are not doing it on your own terms.

"It's something Ronnie has been brilliant at throughout his whole career is doing it on his own terms. The balls get messy, he smashes them open to go again and see what happens.

"I think that's what I need to revisit this season, to refuse to get bogged down. If I'm 5-2 or 5-3 behind, so be it and I'll try to dig in, but it is important to not play like that from the very start of the game."

'Thundered it in' - Great three-ball plant from Brecel

Famed for his 'naughty' brand of snooker, the 2019 world champion suffered a disappointing 10-6 defeat to Anthony McGill in the first round of the World Championship, but used the rest of the event to study the approach of other players.

The world No. 4 admits the match between Luca Brecel and Si Jiahui in the semi-finals set a benchmark for creative flair with Brecel recovering from 14-5 behind to claim a final spot with a 17-15 win after a momentous battle.

Brecel progressed to become the first world champion from continental Europe with an 18-15 final win over Mark Selby.

"I think spells in that tournament, you could see how loose and free he was. How much he was enjoying it," said Trump, who earned £500,000 in prize money last season.

"Si probably should have gone out and won it, so it could have been a different story, but that's just what happens.

"It was the same when I won it. I could easily have gone out in the first round. I think he needs to use that as a platform to really kick on now because he certainly has the talent to do well in the game.

"It will be interesting to see if he can do that or if it was a one-off in that tournament.

"For me, it was nice to see a few of the players in the latter stages of World Championship playing a freer, more attacking snooker.

"I think the crowd and the people at home really enjoyed it as well. It was one of the best World Championships for a while with a few of the younger players..and just how they played."

'Goodness me!' - Phenomenal plant from Si

Trump feels Si provided the biggest landmark potting moment for China since Ding Junhui lifted the 2005 UK Championship as a teenager.

"SI was playing some amazing stuff and was the big favourite, so he'll be very disappointed and it will be interesting to see how he can come back this season. To see if he can put that behind him," said Trump at the Championship League.

"A lot of the Chinese players, it's the same kind of style. Very methodical, very good cue action, but there is not that real flair or style about them.

"But Si seemed to bring that and it was nice to see that. Hopefully, that can inspire the next generation and even more Chinese players will come through.

"It was nice to watch a more easy on the eye style of snooker and enjoy it. It's nice to see people going out to win rather than not to lose."