He said: “A little bit. It’s been a bit different to what I’ve been used to. There’s been a little bit more travel but I think hopefully things will be getting back to normal now.
“Just a little bit more travel than I’m used to and not quite as much practice. But I was sharp in China in the last tournament so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t play well here.” Trump had been living between Dubai and Hong Kong, where he has a dual residency, but there has been a reluctance to return to the Gulf since the state-level conflicts across the UAE which broke out in February.
The world number one opened up his tournament against 12-time ranked title winner Mark Allen in the first round. It will be the start in Trump’s pursuit of the £150,000 pot for the winner as the 37-year-old goes in search of his first triumph in the competition.
He told Channel 5: “He’s tricky, he’s always tricky to play against. He’s got excellent cue ball control and makes it very difficult for you.
“Good safety, good all round game really. He’s a player that can tuck you up and play one or two ways.
“This year he’s tried to play a bit quicker again which probably suits him. It makes it more of an attacking game.”