Judd Trump excited for 'dream' World Snooker Championship final against Ronnie O'Sullivan
- Sean Fisher
- 1 May 2022
After surviving a Mark Williams comeback to book his spot in the final, Judd Trump hailed his 'hero' Ronnie O'Sullivan, and is excited to face his idol in a blockbuster finale.
It's now confirmed that Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan will go head-to-head in the Snooker World Championship final, with O'Sullivan looking for a record seventh title.
Meanwhile, Trump is vying for a second World Championship title of his own after winning the trophy back in 2019.
But also on the line for Sunday's final is a handy £500,000 prize and the world number one spot, with Trump and O'Sullivan both in contention to go top with the win.
The stage is set.
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2022
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Judd Trump. Best of 35 for the @Betfred World Championship.
Sunday/Monday - 1/7pm #ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/ub3raRx7oI
It's got the makings to be an all-time classic, and Trump has already expressed his excitement at meeting O'Sullivan on the big stage.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play Ronnie in the final. There have been times I didn't think it would happen, but now it's here," said Trump.
"Ronnie was a hero of mine growing up, and he's already the best player that's ever lived, but I think he wants to confirm it by winning a seventh title. He tries to play it down, but I think he's more determined than ever.
"In the past he could lose his head or play absolutely shocking, but now he is so consistent, he doesn't play any rash shots. I don't think I can get away with playing at the level I have so far in this tournament to have a chance."
Trump had to battle hard to book his spot in the final, with Mark Williams pushing him all the way in their semi-final clash.
Having taken a dominant 12-5 lead early on, Williams launched a late comeback and even took a 16-15 lead as he threatened to complete one of the greateste fightbacks of all time.
𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗛𝗦 ♠️
— Live Snooker (@Livesnooker) April 30, 2022
Judd Trump 1️⃣7️⃣-1️⃣6️⃣ Mark Williams
The ♠️ prevails in a truly epic clash to book his place in the final. 👏 #ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/K7K5OZZgZk
However, Trump managed to regain his composure after falling behind and produced two stunning frames as the Crucible gave the duo a standing ovation.
"I just tried to stay positive," added Trump. "I was still enjoying it and there was nothing really I could do - my long shots weren't going in but I had no other shot so I had to keep going for them.
"This feels like a free shot because I wasn't expecting anything of myself. I feel like I'm getting closer to the feeling I had (in the 2019 final). I feel like my best is close now, and I'm feeling positive."
Trump and O'Sullivan's showpiece is scheduled to start at 14:00 BST on Sunday afternoon, with four separate sessions expected to conclude on Monday evening.
