- 2019 world champion Trump said he had been hired during a separatist tour
- It would probably be a series of lucrative exhibitions outside the World Snooker Tour.
- O’Sullivan admitted last week that he would be tempted by new competition
Snooker star Judd Trump says he “wouldn’t get out of bed” for a breakaway tour with the 2019 world champion, valuing the “history and heritage” of the sport.
There has been speculation that some of the sport’s biggest names could be tempted to leave the current World Snooker Tour (WST) and play in a series of more lucrative exhibitions.
But Trump, 34, who beat Tom Ford 13-7 to reach the Crucible quarter-finals on Saturday, said he had already rejected offers to leave the WST.
“Some people tried to contact me and I couldn’t be bothered,” he said.
‘It was a few months ago. These people approached my brother and he said, “Do you want to listen?” and I said, “No, just (tell them) to leave.”
Judd Trump says he has no interest in joining any separatist billiards exhibition tours
Trump, the 34-year-old 2019 world champion, is one of the most popular players on the pool circuit.
Barry Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Sport, has taken the tour to new countries
‘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 to watch some kind of exhibition series. I want the biggest challenges.
“I hope to play in more different places and I hope World Snooker can take us into new territories.”
The WST recently brought an event to Saudi Arabia for the first time and an event is scheduled in Qatar for the first half of 2025, with growing interest in the Middle East.
Former WST president Barry Hearn said the tour’s prize money will exceed £20 million next season.
There is nothing in the WST rules that prohibits players from competing in other events, as long as they do not conflict with existing WST competitions.
Asked if the separatist approach came from China, Trump added: “I don’t know, I didn’t even get that far.” I’m not interested one bit.
‘I’m at my best. If I were older and at the end of my career maybe it would be different, but I don’t want to waste my prime in exhibition games.
‘I would be much happier earning my money than if it were given to me. Where I am in my career, how I play and the success I’ve had, I feel like I can make this money and really feel a sense of accomplishment.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he would be tempted by new events
‘That’s something my mom and dad would want too. My mom and dad would be prouder if she did it that way.”
Trump also ruled out any possibility of a LIV Golf-style split within snooker, saying seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan is the only player whose departure would hurt the WST.
—I don’t think there is any real concern. I don’t think there are enough players or names that can do damage, Ronnie is the only one if he were to leave.
‘I don’t think people are that bothered by anyone else. “What I’ve established in the game alongside Ronnie, if I stay here, the tour will be a solid place.”
By contrast, O’Sullivan, 48, hinted earlier this week that he would listen to offers from elsewhere.
O’Sullivan is snooker’s biggest star and said last week he would be willing to leave.
‘Every player has the right to do what they want. If I didn’t get what I want, am I ready to leave the sport? The answer is yes,’ he stated.
‘I want to be taken care of, pampered. Anyone who wants to pamper and take care of me, I’m your man. I’m an open book.
‘I’m here, the best offer, come talk to me, you will find my contact details on Instagram. “First come, first served, that will be my policy until I stop playing.”
O’Sullivan began his second round match against Ryan Day on Sunday morning.
