Judd Trump’s Cue Crisis Hits New Low as Selby Dominates Champion of Champions Final
Judd Trump’s struggles with his cue continued to haunt him at the Champion of Champions final, where he was handed a comprehensive 10-5 defeat by Mark Selby, who claimed the prestigious title for the first time. Selby’s victory in his home city of Leicester was made even sweeter by his sharp safety play and clinical scoring, securing the top prize of £150,000.
For Trump, the loss marked another frustrating setback in a season where his issues with his cue have been impossible to ignore. Having switched to a new cue earlier in the year, Trump had hoped it would be a long-term investment, but after this defeat, he admitted it might be time to part ways with the new equipment. Despite the cue troubles, Trump was quick to congratulate Selby on his performance, acknowledging that the world No. 5 was the better player throughout the tournament.
After the match, Trump was visibly dejected and spoke candidly about his difficulties. “I just couldn’t get used to it, I didn’t know where to aim,” he confessed. “There are no excuses – Mark was the best player all week and fully deserved the win.” However, he went on to highlight how his cue wasn’t reacting the way he wanted it to, especially during critical moments of the match. “The ball doesn’t throw whatsoever on this cue, and I’m really struggling,” Trump explained. He also noted how different table conditions have added to the challenge. The modern tables are heavier, and the cue’s titanium ferrule doesn’t seem to complement the playing surfaces as well as he would like. He continued, “I’m brilliant in good conditions, but terrible in bad conditions,” suggesting that his game is inconsistent and largely dependent on the environment.
Despite his troubles, Trump had fought his way to the final, even claiming a superb 6-2 comeback win over Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals. He admitted, however, that he was not at his best. “I’m probably at about 10%,” he said after his semi-final win. “But I’m happy to make it to the final when I’m not at my best.”
As for Selby, the victory seemed to give him a renewed sense of confidence. Reflecting on his triumph, he praised Trump’s abilities, calling him the “man to beat,” but acknowledged the high level of play required to overcome him. “I knew I had to play well from start to finish,” Selby said. “This event is for the best players, and it was a privilege to play Judd in the final.”
For Trump, the path forward is unclear. With his cue frustrations mounting, he may need to make a decisive choice in the coming weeks, possibly reverting back to his old cue or making another change in hopes of recapturing his best form. As he put it, it’s about finding consistency, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. The coming weeks, particularly at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, could prove critical for Trump’s recovery and return to form.
