Masters snooker 2024: Jimmy White brands Judd Trump as ‘man to beat’ after comeback to beat Kyren Wilson 6-5
The defending champion struggled to find top form at times during his first-round match against Kyren Wilson on Tuesday.
Indeed, he found himself 3-0 down in the early stages, before reeling off five successive frames to move to within one of victory.
His 32-year-old opponent hit back, levelling the match at 5-5 and forcing a nervy decider.
However, Trump prevailed, and White, who won the Masters in 1984, believes it shows the defending champion is primed to lift the trophy for a second time.
“The way he won them 6-5s in the first two rounds last year was scrappy,” he told Eurosport.
‘What a battle’ – Trump completes clearance to win deciding frame against Wilson
“Today, he looked full of confidence even though he was 3-0 down. When he went 3-1, he’s in the match, he then looks like he’s going to win the match.
“He didn’t play his ‘A’ game today, but he didn’t need to. He put Kyren in trouble when he had to because he knew he was struggling.”
Trump has already enjoyed a sensational season, winning the English Open, Wuhan Open and Northern Ireland Open in quick succession in the second half of 2023.
White believes the 34-year old, who is hunting a fifth ‘Triple Crown’ trophy, is playing better than ever.
Trump continues fightback against Wilson with 54th century of the season
“He seems to play the right shots now,” he continued. “He uses his power shots when he needs to, closes it down when he needs to.
“His ‘B’ and ‘C’ game are very good. It just makes him a winning machine. With his natural talent and confidence, he is the man to beat this season without a shadow of a doubt.
“He’s a different player to the guy who won The Masters last year. He’s much more confident.”
Trump’s appraisal of his own performance was a little more conservative.
However, the ‘Ace in the Pack’ was still pleased with how he managed to pull through.
‘What a terrific pot!’ – Trump finally ‘finding his touch’ with excellent red
“It was a bit of a struggle out there today,” Trump admitted. “When you come to these events, you don’t want to go out in the first round, so for me, I still put myself under a bit of pressure.
“To be honest, a couple of the frames went scrappy and I was happy with that. I felt like I needed that and I felt that was probably my best way of winning today. Another day, I would never play like that.
“I think I’m just able to recognise the situation a lot better than I was maybe five years ago.”
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