German Masters snooker: Judd Trump on why Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins are still ‘the benchmark’ in title quest

The world No. 2 produced a flawless display against four-time world champion Higgins, who missed an easy red when set to level at 3-3 in the sixth frame of their encounter on Friday, before Trump closed out the match to reach the one-table set-up in the Tempodrom.

The 27-time ranking event winner feels Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan remain the benchmark on how well he is playing after adding the German Masters title to his English, Wuhan and Northern Ireland Open victories.

“For the first five or ten years, he [Higgins] was always just getting over the line. Now I am able to do the same,” Trump told reporters. “Just at the important times, to pot the crucial balls. John missed an easy ball to go 3-3, and that was the difference.

“For me, he is still a good benchmark. We are meeting now where his level has probably just dropped slightly and mine has risen.

“Every time I play him, I can still see he is up for it. I know it is going to be a fight. Along with Ronnie he is the benchmark. If I can beat that type of player, I know I’m doing well.”

Trump is relishing a battle with UK and Masters champion O’Sullivan for the world No. 1 spot for the rest of the campaign.

“It’s nice to be up there challenging again for that No. 1 spot come the end of the season,” said Trump. “If me and Ronnie keep that same form, it’ll be a good battle and hopefully we can meet in a few more finals before the end of the season.”

Trump paid tribute to the German fans at Tempodrom and feels it is comparable to the Masters at Alexandra Palace in London for prestige in the sport.

“The venue comes into its own when you get down to that semi-final,” said Trump. “This isn’t the biggest prize-money tournament, but the atmosphere is probably second to none. It is right up there with the Masters in London and one I always want to get back to.”

“It is certainly one of the best arenas on the tour. It is an event I look forward to coming to and it seems to bring out the best in me.

“After the last couple of seasons, where I haven’t been winning four, five or six titles, people have been very quick to point that out. It is nice to do it again this season.

“Maybe hearing what some people say off the table pushes me to the level where I am able to produce it week in and week out. I have always been very dedicated.

“When you come to venues like this it just ignites something and brings back the passion that I had as a kid.”

Trump is due to play at the Championship League in Leicester on Wednesday and Thursday before he begins his quest for a fifth ranking title when he meets Liam Highfield in his tournament opener at the Welsh Open in Llandudno a week today at 7pm.