Judd Trump jokes ‘maybe I should move here’ as he celebrates 2023 Wuhan Open win over Ali Carter

Judd Trump praised the crowd in China as he won the Wuhan Open final against Ali Carter on Sunday.

The former world No. 1 had endured a tough time at the table over the last couple of years but now appears to have rediscovered some of his better form, even if he is yet to reach the heights that saw him become the best in the sport for a period in the 2010s.

Several top-ranking players, such as world champion Luca Brecel, failed to make the trip to China for the country’s third event since the post-Covid reopening.

Speaking after his victory over Carter, Trump reflected on the three-frame margin of his win and paid tribute to his beaten opponent.

He said: “It was a very tough final, Ali made it very difficult, even though he didn’t play his best.”

Trump believed that his ability to score heavily was the difference between the two players, adding: “I struggled a little bit, but towards the end I just had a few good splits and I just scored heavier, and that was the difference.”

The Chinese crowd were vociferous in their appreciation of the action in front of them – understandably after four years without this level of snooker being held in their country – and he praised the atmosphere.

“On another day it could have gone another way, but the crowd in here have been amazing,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone for coming and supporting everyone here. It’s the first time here but this is probably the best crowd I have played with in China.”

Trump said that he thought “the support from everyone in China” had spurred him on, and with his previous wins at the China Open (2011, 2016) World Open (2019) and International Championship (2019) in China, he joked: “I think maybe I should move here.”