Judd Trump admits he needs to convert more opportunities into tournament wins as he goes into the defence of his Ladbrokes World Grand Prix title.
The world ranking event runs from March 8 to 13 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson battling Trump for the title.
Last year Trump beat O’Sullivan 10-7 in the final and that was his last victory in a televised tournament, though he did win the Championship League last week.
Bristol’s 26-year-old Trump has reached the final of one ranking event so far this season – the Shanghai Masters in September where he lost 10-9 to Kyren Wilson.
“This season has been up and down,” admits the world number five. “At times I have produced a game which is good enough to win tournaments, but then I have come up short by a frame or two at important moments. I’ve been inconsistent – one day brilliant then the next day average. That consistency is what I’m looking for.
“It is frustrating but it is something you have to deal with in sport. I’m not getting thrashed by anyone but I’ve lost a few close matches which could have made it into a really good season.
“I need to be more clinical under pressure. I tend to play better when I’m relaxed and sometimes I try too hard. The Championship League is ideal for me because there’s no pressure – if you lose you’ve always got another game. That’s why I’ve won it three times. If I can take the same attitude into tournaments then I will win a lot more.”
Trump, winner of four ranking events, faces a tough opening tie in Llandudno against two-time World Champion Mark Williams on Wednesday afternoon.
He added: “It’s always a nice feeling to go back and defend a title and I’m really looking forward to this year’s event. We had good crowds and good support last year and I’m sure it will be the same this time. Llandudno is a lovely town and I enjoyed being there for a week.”
The 32-man tournament, with a top prize of £100,000, is televised live by ITV4.
Tickets for the tournament are STILL ON SALE and fans are advised to book fast as sessions are selling out. Tickets start at just £10, for details visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
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