World number four Judd Trump says there is nothing positive to take from his World Championship loss to John Higgins and the Englishman admits he needs to win more of snooker’s Triple Crown events. Trump, who lost to Higgins in the 2011 final in what is regarded as one of the best matches in the competition’s history, was involved in another epic battle against the Scot in Sheffield.
In front of a captivated crowd, the pair put on a great show and the Bristolian had led 4-1, 7-3 and 11-9 before losing the contest in a final-frame decider. Higgins, who is searching for a fifth title at the Crucible, made 11 breaks over 50 and moves into the semi-final stage of the tournament for the ninth time in his career. The ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ will now take on Englishman Kyren Wilson, who defeated Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen 13-6 in the previous round, for a place in the final and the Scot is the 11/8 favourite to lift the trophy this year.
For Trump, it is another disappointment in one of snooker’s Triple Crown events and he still only has the 2011 UK Championship to show for his efforts in the big three tournaments. Trump, who feels nobody could have pushed Higgins as close as he did, says he needs to start upping his game on the biggest stages if he is going to be considered as one of the best players. “There aren’t any positives to take,” Trump was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “I’m 28 years old and I need to start winning these tournaments if I want to be the best. I take no positives from losing.”
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