Judd Trump’s brutal remark on Mark Allen before Masters quarter-final | Other | Sport

Judd Trump has claimed that Mark Allen is “a little bit harder to watch” nowadays as the two prepare for their quarter-final showdown at the Masters. World No.1, Trump, has been in fine form at Alexandra Palace this month, cruising past Ding Junhui in his opener with a 6-2 win.

And while he will be hopeful of scooping the prestigious title for a third time at this year’s instalment, he will have to deal with stiff competition in Allen on Thursday evening should he hope to advance. Well aware of the task at hand, Trump has opened up on the problems that ‘The Pistol’ will provide. Speaking about the Northern Irishman, he said: “He’s a tough player.

“I think that he’s a little bit different to the rest of the top players. I think the way he plays is maybe not as free-flowing as the rest of them. He can be a little bit more tough to play. Sometimes I get a little bit dragged down when I play him.

“So, it’s important to get off to a good start against him. He’s slowed down. His shot selection’s a bit more negative. He’s a little bit harder to watch I think nowadays. When he’s at his best, when he’s playing quick and going for his shots, he’s a lot better than when he’s slowing himself down.”

Allen, meanwhile, reflected on a disappointing season after his 6-2 win over Mark Williams in his Masters opener. He told SportsBoom.co.uk: “Honestly, I think it’s been my worst season for some time standard wise. Haven’t played anywhere near as good as I should be.

“With how much I practise. It’s embarrassing sometimes when I come to tournaments and play the way I play. Because I’m like, I just played a gazillion hours this week and it feels really good and then you turn up and you just don’t perform. It’s been frustrating this year.

“The fact that I won in Brentwood, I still win a lot of matches, but I think a lot of matches I’ve won. I’m just winning because I’m experienced. I know the right shots to play. I’m good under pressure.”

Trump and Allen get underway in the quarter-finals of the Masters at around 7pm on Thursday night at Alexandra Palace.