Judd Trump has smashed Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record for prize money won in a single snooker season.
His victory over Ding Junhui in their Masters quarter-final on Friday afternoon confirmed the record, eclipsing Rocket Ronnie’s previous record total of £1,265,500.
Trump’s three titles this season have come in major events which saw him scoop a whopping £210,000 at the Shanghai Masters, £500,000 in Saudi Arabia and £250,000 at the UK Championship.
Asked his feelings on posting the most lucrative season in snooker history, Trump laughed: “Don’t tell everyone here!”
Interviewer Rob Walker told him that he owes everyone at Ally Pally a beer, as he joked: “It’s two pints for everyone!”
Trump said: “Thanks everyone for the support. I’m so privileged to be doing what I’m doing”, before ominously adding, “I feel like I’m only playing at 5/10 of how I can play”.
Pressed on whether he would spend his newly-acquired earnings on a flash new car, Trump replied: ” I think I want a Yacht next!” to which studio guest and snooker legend Jimmy White immediately gave him the thumbs up.
The world No.1 booked his passage to the semi-finals with a brilliant comeback win, having been 3-1 down at the interval.
He returned a different animal after the break in play, posting 97 and 125 breaks to storm back and win 6-3.
Ding failed to pot a single ball in the final three frames of the match, as Trump secured a commanding victory.
The 35-year-old has been in incredible form this season and the financial rewards have fallen in line with his consistent performances.
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In addition to his three big wins, Trump also made final appearances at the Xi’an Grand Prix and the Northern Ireland Open as well.
His opening round victory at the Masters against Barry Hawkins had brought him to within a whisker of the Rocket’s season-high total.
And he surpassed O’Sullivan in style against his Chinese opponent.
-It could become even more lucrative for Trump with plenty more big events still to play this season with a whopping £350,000 purse at stake for the winner of this week’s Masters.
Another £180,000 will be up for grabs at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong in March – an increase on last year’s prize money of £100,000.
And few would bet against Trump adding to his prize funds before the season ends with the Bristol-born player feeling seemingly invincible at present.
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“I felt in control, I didn’t feel I was going to miss anything,” he said after the quarter-final win, despite trailing early on.
“I had to control myself, I didn’t really do a lot wrong before the interval. The standard is so high and Ding put me under a lot of pressure but I just stayed calm.
“Its a good feeling,” he added. “It’s not often you feel like that but you just know when you come to the table you feel you’re going to clear up every time because there’s not a lot going wrong.
“It’s amazing to play like that in front of these fans,” he continued. “Coming out here is the best feeling in the world. I’m absolutely thrilled to play at that standard after the interval. It’s so inspiring to play in this venue.”
Trump will face either Luca Brecel or Kyren Wilson in the semi-finals on Saturday, while Shaun Murphy and Mark Allen clash in the other quarter-final.
Saturday’s match will see Trump make his seventh Masters semi-final appearance as he eyes up a third tournament final.
Snooker star silently rages after missing out on £162k and even opponent shakes his head
Meanwhile, Ding paid his own tribute to the world No.1, while reflecting on the errors that he believes cost him the match.
“Just a few mistakes,” Ding said. “He played very well today. You can’t do that many mistakes against Judd Trump.
“The crowd is good, they support both players. The arena is good, I’m a bit disappointed to be out, hopefully next time will be better.”
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