Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan both left the UK for Hong Kong at the end of 2024 after being granted residency, and this pundit believes the move could benefit them at the Crucible
Sport Ben Crawford GAU Writer 11:00, 19 Apr 2025
Snooker legend and BBC commentator Ken Doherty has suggested that Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan's relocation outside the UK could improve their World Snooker Championship prospects.
Despite differing fortunes in their seasonal campaigns, both players settled on a move to Hong Kong where they took up residency towards the end of 2024, with convenient access to lucrative Asian tournaments being one of several reasons behind their decision.
Additionally, Trump, whose partner hails from Hong Kong, also divides his time between there and Dubai. The latter provides easy travel to the UK while maintaining proximity to Asia. According to Doherty, it's this acclimatisation to travel that could hand The Ace in the Pack and The Rocket an upper hand over competitors who have had a gruelling season of global travel.
"I think it might actually suit them [being based outside the UK] because the season is so long and there's a lot of travelling for tournaments," Doherty revealed, courtesy of Betway.
"The fact that the likes of Judd can go to Dubai and relax, they have a good base out there and it's pretty much halfway between the UK and China, it's not such a long journey.
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"I think having a base in Dubai like Judd is suited to guys like that, and I don't think it'll affect them. As I said, there are so many tournaments that being in Dubai is a good base point."
Trump has candidly discussed his reasons for moving between Hong Kong and Dubai, leaving his native England behind, as he believes it is 'perfect' for his pursuit of a much-coveted second world title, reports the Mirror.
"I think there are so many tournaments in Asia and the Middle East, everywhere is kind of picking that up, and now I'm able to base myself in Dubai and Hong Kong," the 35-year-old confessed.
"For me, it's perfect," he elaborated. "I think the style of living for me really suits me, and it inspires me as well to see other people doing great."
Doherty aligned with Trump's point of view, and snooker legend Dennis Taylor also concurred. Taylor argued that snooker's elite residing overseas wouldn't negatively affect the sport's scene within the UK.
"There's very few [players moving abroad]," Taylor added. "It is always players moving to the UK from abroad, and that's been happening since the days of Eddie Charlton, who did over 100 trips from Australia.
"I don't think it impacts the game in the UK. It's not just a UK game anyway now, it's a worldwide game growing all over the world, so it's not going to impact that.
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"The fact that the BBC signed up for another seven years shows the game is healthy and is growing all over the world. The viewing figures and the crowds are getting bigger. The game is in good shape, so there isn't much wrong with the sport."
