Judd Trump has fired back at Shaun Murphy‘s criticism of his no-show at the traditional green carpet event before the World Snooker Championship. The ceremony, which takes place every year, gives local people the opportunity to see their heroes live in the flesh just before the tournament begins. Attendance is supposed to be mandatory for those ranked inside the world’s top 16, but Trump was nowhere to be seen.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was also missing from the green carpet, leaving both players at risk of a fine, and Murphy was among those less than impressed. He suggested that Trump and O’Sullivan were guilty of not doing enough to promote snooker and claimed their public perception would suffer as a result.
“I think it might give those two a particular image problem,” said Murphy. “I think it might affect their image slightly. I’ve got no idea, but none of us are shocked by it. It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something.
“I think it’s a real shame and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years. I think it’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these types of things, but I’ve got no idea why they don’t come.
“They didn’t come to the Champions Dinner either last night, so I don’t know. You’d have to ask them why they don’t come. I’ve got no idea.”
Trump was later questioned about his absence but chose to keep the details private, insisting that it was a personal matter and nobody else’s business.
He explained: “It was something to do with my family. I haven’t told anyone. I just want to keep it a secret.”
Trump and O’Sullivan could provide medical notes to excuse their absence, but if they don’t, they would likely face small fines. Three years ago, Neil Robertson landed a penalty of £250 for missing the pre-tournament formalities due to traffic problems.
He relocated to Dubai in early 2025 but the outbreak of war in the Gulf region saw the area targeted by Iran’s retaliatory strikes on American military bases.
Trump has been living in a hotel in Bangkok over the last few weeks, while his schedule has been further disrupted by issues relating to his brother’s visa.
“My brother was stuck in Dubai for a little bit, so that wasn’t good,” he explained during the World Open. “Luckily he’s got out now and hopefully things turn around. I managed to practice in Thailand and dedicate myself like I normally would.
“It’s not nice to be not at home, not knowing what you’re going to do. I don’t know what I’m going to do after this and stuff like that. Away from the table, just take the positives.”