October 7th 2023.
John Higgins and Judd Trump have had a number of memorable battles over the years, and they will be meeting again on Saturday in the English Open semi-finals. Both men are expecting an exciting match, and Higgins is looking forward to the challenge.
"Every time I play John, it just seems to be full of drama," said Judd Trump. "He brings out the best in me and I think I bring the best out of him."
This is especially true in their two World Championship finals. In 2011, Higgins beat a young, gung-ho Trump in the Crucible final, before Trump came of age and produced one of the finest performances ever to win the 2019 final, leaving the Wizard in his wake.
At 48 years old, Higgins still loves these occasions and is more than ready for the semi-final. Trump has had the upper hand in recent years, and he believes that it is his belief in himself that gives him the edge.
"It's good to have that belief in yourself that your record's good against someone as good as John," said Trump. "It also puts a bit in his mind. For him to get over the line he knows maybe he hasn't done it as often as he used to or hasn't done it in a while."
The Englishman also expects another tight game against the Scot, just like their European Masters semi-final in August which Trump won 6-5 in the last two frames.
"He's an amazing player," said Trump. "I think there have been times where he was at his absolute peak and I was just below it and he was winning all of them and then you could say the opposite and I was winning all of them. Now, I think he's coming back to somewhere near his best again and I'm not at my absolute peak as well so it's a very level game with us at the moment. It's always normally really close between us and it's sort of just fractions and the odd ball here or there."
The rivalry resumes at 1pm in Brentwood, and both men are excited to see the outcome. Higgins knows that Trump is no longer a young, gung-ho player and is looking dangerous again. Trump knows that he needs to maintain his belief in himself and his positive mindset. It's sure to be a thrilling match with plenty of drama!
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