Judd Trump currently holds the world number one ranking in snooker, yet he doesn’t possess the same electrifying star power as the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan. And, surprisingly, he’s perfectly content with that arrangement, prioritizing consistent victories over relentless public attention.
O’Sullivan, “The Rocket,” has long been the face of the sport, but with fewer appearances and a slight dip in form at age 50, the question arises: who will inherit his mantle? The debate has begun, but one prominent voice believes the answer is already clear.
John Higgins, a snooker icon in his own right, is baffled by the discussion. He firmly believes Trump is more than deserving of being considered the sport’s new standard-bearer, citing a remarkable record of success that rivals anyone in the game.
“I don’t know what Judd Trump has to do to be classed as the next flag-bearer,” Higgins stated, frustration evident in his words. “He’s won as much as anyone, and his style is captivating. It’s a mystery why he isn’t celebrated more in that role.”
Higgins acknowledges a tendency to focus on the past – the “Class of ‘92” and now emerging talents like Zhao Xintong – but argues that Trump’s sustained excellence over the last six or seven years deserves immense recognition.
Perhaps, Higgins suggests, the British public gravitates towards players with a more rebellious or troubled past, like the charismatic Alex Higgins or Jimmy White, or the captivating Ronnie O’Sullivan. A certain “baggage” that fuels a connection with fans.
Trump himself understands this dynamic. He recognizes he doesn’t embody the same rock-and-roll lifestyle that has often accompanied snooker’s biggest stars, and he doesn’t feel a need to change that.
“There’s definitely respect there, but it’s often the more unconventional personalities who grab the headlines,” Trump explained. “I don’t indulge in those behaviors. My upbringing instilled in me a different set of values.”
He accepts that a quieter demeanor makes it harder to command the spotlight, but finds satisfaction in building a stellar career and earning the admiration of his peers. He draws parallels to Roger Federer, believing consistent victories ultimately speak for themselves.
For Trump, the opinions of fellow legends like Higgins carry the most weight. Their validation is far more meaningful than any public clamor for a more flamboyant personality.
In fact, Trump believes he *has* been carrying the flag for snooker since reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 2019. He points to his statistics – a remarkable number of finals reached and tournaments won – as undeniable proof of his dominance.
“I’ve been the most successful player in terms of stats, finals, and wins for the last seven years,” Trump asserted confidently. “No one is even remotely close in that regard. I’ve been dominant, and I believe I’ve already earned that mantle.”
