Judd Trump lives 4k miles from figure skater girlfriend after UK exit | Other | Sport
Judd Trump remains almost 4,000 miles away from his figure skater girlfriend after moving to Dubai from the UK in January 2024. The snooker great has won 30 ranking titles in his illustrious career, but he failed to add to his tally on Sunday when he lost in the Northern Ireland Open final 9-8 to Jack Lisowski.
It was the first time the 34-year-old bested the world No. 1 in a ranking final having lost to him on three prior occasions, finally claiming his maiden ranking title in Belfast. It’s been a less than stellar season for Trump, who endured last-16 defeats at both the English Open and the British Open last month. It’s coming up on two years since he swapped the UK for the Middle East, while the 36-year-old also spends some time roughly 3,700 miles away in Hong Kong, where girlfriend Maisy Ma is based.
Some in snooker circles have suggested his relocation could be the reason for his struggle to maintain his high standards. But the theory was dashed aside by the former world champion, who cited the significant tournament victories he’s achieved since becoming a Dubai resident.
He’s triumphed at the German Masters, World Open, Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, UK Championship and the Shanghai Masters since his move, and he told TNT Sports: “January 2024, I have been doing it since. I have won a lot of big events in that period, it has zero effect on that. That is not the reason why I have not won, it is just that the standard is so good.
“Sometimes you will have spells of six months, a year without winning, so you have to wait your time, be patient and put in the hard work and it will come.” Trump also referenced switching his cue which he admitted would take time to adapt to as he added: “It is a big change in changing my cue. It is going to take a bit of time to get used to, so I am not too worried.”
His equipment changes didn’t stop him from appearing in his 50th ranking final on Sunday. Lisowski called the Bristol-born potter his “best friend” in an emotional tribute following his victory.
He emotionally revealed how Trump has helped him since his father’s sudden death in March. The 34-year-old said: “Judd’s been my best friend pretty much since I was 14, and he was there eight months ago when I got the message about my dad.”
He then turned to Trump before continuing: “You’ve been a better friend than I could ever ask for for the last eight months. You’re the closest thing I can have to a brother, and I love you.”
