Judd Trump defends his Northern Ireland Open title
Judd Trump beat Ronnie O’Sullivan by 9-7 to retain his Northern Ireland Open title. It was a match of the highest quality, and a repeat of the previous year final. By winning this title, Judd accomplished something that hadn’t be done since Stephen Hendry in 1990/91, winning three ranking events as a first time World Champion, and, of course, there could be more to come. This victory further consolidates Judd’s status as the current dominant figure in snooker: he’s World Champion, World number one and miles ahead of everyone else on the one year list.
After the match Judd said: “It was an amazing atmosphere out there at the end. Both times I have played him here in the final it has been unbelievable. The arena is made for snooker. I managed to save my best for the final. I wasn’t feeling particularly great in the matches leading up to that. The end of that semi-final against John Higgins inspired me and that gave me the confidence to go out there against Ronnie and play my best.
“I think for the fans we do bring the best out of each other. We have had some amazing games recently. It is always pretty close. When I have played him recently, I have played my best. That is what you have to do against him. If you miss chances he walks all over you.
“I can’t wait to get started at the UK Championship now. I am full of confidence after the last few events. It is one I’ve had my eye on since winning the World Championship. I’d love to be able to win all three in a row.” (source Worldsnooker)
The tournament was played in Belfast from 11th to 17th of November 2019. Neil Robertson, who had just won the 2019 Champion of Champions suffered a bit of a hang-over and lost in the first round. From the other Grove players, Luca Brecel was the most successful; he reached the last 16.
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