Judd Trump joked that he wants to “ruin the Christmas party” for staff at the World Snooker Tour (WST) by claiming the £100,000 cash prize for making 100 centuries in a season.
The 35-year-old racked up three tons during his victory over Long Zehuang at the World Open in Yushan but then exited the tournament after suffering a shock defeat to Joe O’Connor.
Trump has been in sensational form this season and claimed his second UK Championship title in December when he got the better of Barry Hawkins in the final.
He also tasted victory at the Shanghai Masters and the Saudi Arabia Masters, and will be eyeing up his second World Championship title in May.
Trump produced a dazzling display to thump Long 5-1 in Yushan after thrashing Xing Zihao 5-0 in his qualifying match.
The talented potter was then told during an interview with WST that there are some people at the organisation who are “worried about their bonus”.
And after being asked whether achieving a century of centuries was on his mind, he explained: “I mean now it is, yeah.
“Looking back now I probably should have entered a few more tournaments because I didn’t think I’d get close. But I’ve had my time off, kind of maybe that’s why it’s relaxed me.
“And I scored extremely heavy the last few months and it would be nice to ruin the Christmas party and take the £100,000 party money away.”
He added: “Good start to the tournament, I couldn’t really ask for any more. I scored pretty heavy the first two frames and I could have had even more centuries. I’m happy with how I’m playing.”
Trump will have plenty of opportunities to rack-up three more centuries, with the season set to run until the conclusion of the World Championship on May 5.
The Bristol-born star landed his only title at the Crucible in 2019 but was dumped out at the quarter-final stage last season. And he will have to play better than he did against O’Connor if he is to rack up more tons and reach the latter stages of snooker’s showpiece tournament.
Trump was outplayed by O’Connor as he whimpered to a 5-2 defeat. And after the match, the victor said: “[I feel] really good.
“Any win over someone of Judd’s calibre makes you feel over the moon. I just enjoy being out there against the best in the world – luckily for me this was my day and I won.”
