Judd Trump admits to cue doubts and reveals theory for title wait after Champion of Champions group win.

Judd Trump admits to cue doubts and reveals theory for title wait after Champion of Champions group win.

 

 

Judd Trump has never been shy about being honest with fans, and after his latest group-stage win at the 2025 Champion of Champions, the former world champion opened up about a mix of frustration and optimism. Despite booking his place in the semi-finals, Trump revealed he is battling with uncertainty over his cue, a change in his practice routine, and what he believes are conditions that make the sport less predictable than it should be. His reflections painted a picture of a player still performing at a high level, but seeking the fine margins that turn good form into trophies.

Trump admitted that his confidence in his cue setup has wavered in recent weeks. “I’ve been struggling a little bit with my cue, with the tip,” he explained. The 35-year-old said that although he is striking the ball cleanly and feeling technically sound, the results on the table haven’t matched his expectations: “I’m hitting them where I want, but they just don’t seem to go in.” The cue in question is only around two months old, and while he insists it feels good, Trump suggested he may not persist with it for long if results don’t come soon. “If I don’t win something this week or next week,” he said, “I’ll probably look to switch.”

The equipment uncertainty is only part of the story. Trump also revealed that his practice regime has been disrupted for the first time in years. He is known for maintaining a relentless work ethic, spending long hours on the table to keep his sharpness, but that rhythm has been broken. His brother Jack, who normally helps him practise in Dubai, has been unable to travel due to visa issues. “My practice is the least I’ve practised in about six years,” Trump admitted. “It’s difficult to find the same rhythm when you’re not doing it every day with someone pushing you.”

Alongside these challenges, Trump offered a revealing “theory” about why he has not been lifting trophies as regularly as in previous seasons. His complaint is not about his rivals but about the playing conditions themselves—specifically, the pockets. “The pockets are so big at the moment,” he said. “It’s hard because the better player doesn’t always win. If someone’s playing half decent, they just don’t miss—it’s like 9-ball pool.” This view echoes a growing sentiment among professionals that looser pockets reduce the skill gap between top players and those slightly below their level, making tournaments more unpredictable.

Despite these frustrations, Trump’s tone was not one of defeat but of determination. He remains confident that his form is close to peaking again, and his performances in the Champion of Champions suggest he is still capable of brilliance under pressure. His willingness to analyse every detail—from equipment to practice to conditions—shows the mindset that has made him one of the sport’s modern greats. For Trump, the key now is rediscovering that perfect balance between feel and focus. Once he solves the cue dilemma and gets back into his ideal training rhythm, few would bet against him ending his title wait sooner rather than later.