Worrying Times for Trump: Hendry Sounds Alarm as Snooker Stars Struggle to Shine in 2025
Stephen Hendry has voiced concerns over the recent form of two of snooker’s most talented stars—Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong—urging both to rediscover their best performances before the season begins to slip away from them.
Speaking on the Snooker Club Podcast, the seven-time world champion didn’t hold back in his assessment. While Judd Trump remains the world number one, his results in 2025 have been far from what fans have come to expect. Despite a stellar 2024 season in which Trump lifted the UK Championship, Shanghai Masters, and Saudi Arabia Masters titles and reached multiple finals, he has yet to win a single trophy in the current calendar year. He hasn’t progressed beyond the last 16 in any ranking tournament this season.
“If I was Judd, I’d be worried,” Hendry admitted. “He might not be, but I would be in his position. As world number one, when you’re used to winning consistently over the last few years, a dry spell like this brings pressure—more with each event.”
Hendry highlighted how losing form doesn’t just affect a player’s confidence but also emboldens their opponents. “Other players start to see that and they’re no longer as intimidated. That changes things,” he said.
While the legendary Scot believes Trump has the ability to bounce back, he warns against assuming a return to form is inevitable. “You can’t afford to stay still in snooker. If you do, others will catch up and pass you.”
Zhao Xintong was also singled out for criticism, with Hendry expressing disappointment over the Chinese player’s lack of progress since becoming world champion. Both Zhao and Trump will be in action at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast on Sunday, hoping to regain momentum. Zhao is set to face Jordan Brown, while Trump takes on a tough opponent in Anthony McGill.
As the season intensifies, the spotlight is now firmly on these two stars to prove they can still dominate the table when it matters most.
