Hong Kong resident Trump aims to make city proud by winning World Grand Prix
World No 1, who felt like ‘a kid at Christmas’ after using his HKID for the first time, hopes to play Ronnie O’Sullivan in final at Kai Tak
Judd Trump has said he expects to be even more motivated when he steps out as a Hong Kong resident at snooker’s World Grand Prix in the city next month.
The world No 1, who became a resident via Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme in December, said on Tuesday he felt like “a kid at Christmas” after using his newly acquired Hong Kong identity card (HKID) for the first time this week.
The Grand Prix, which will run at Kai Tak Arena from March 4 to 9, is being held outside the UK for the first time.
“I have such a good record in this tournament [with three wins], so to play in Hong Kong will be so special,” Trump said. “I think I’ll be more nervous than playing in the World Championship, because I will have the fans on my side.
“I feel like the people in Hong Kong really get behind and support me … when you have someone trying to represent Hong Kong like I do, I hope that comes off in the way that I’m able to carry myself … I hope to make Hong Kong proud and be the first winner of this [relocated] tournament.”
Trump revealed he used his HKID at the airport for the first time when he arrived from Dubai on Sunday.