Judd Trump reacts to 'special' World Championship staying at Crucible ahead of latest bid to become two-time champion - 'The best thing for snooker'

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Judd Trump is glad the "uncertainty" is over as he prepares to chase a second world title in Sheffield next month. The world No. 1 warmed up for his annual trip to the sport's biggest event by completing a superb comeback from 4-0 behind to edge Mark Allen 10-8 in the first round of the Tour Championship in Manchester on Monday. His reward is a quarter-final with Shaun Murphy on Wednesday.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Judd Trump is aiming to add to his solitary world title at the Crucible in the years ahead, after the news that the sport's biggest event is staying in Sheffield until at least 2045.

The world No. 1 looks in fine fettle for his latest Crucible bid after producing three centuries and five 60+ breaks in a 10-8 win over Mark Allen in the first round of the Tour Championship at Manchester Central on Monday.

Trump will face fellow former world champion Shaun Murphy in a blockbuster quarter-final on Wednesday.

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He won his first match in six years at the Tour event from 4-0 behind against Allen, who produced two centuries and three breaks over 50 in a high-quality joust.

Reacting to last week's major news regarding the extension of the sport's deal to remain at a £45m-refurbished, 1500-capacity Crucible in the years ahead, Trump described it as the "best thing" for snooker.

"It's great news, it puts all the uncertainty to bed," he told reporters. "For snooker, it's probably the best thing that could have happened.

"The fact that in a few years' time they will improve the venue is even better. It's an exciting time for snooker, the World Championship is always special. It's good to keep it in the UK."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

His latest bid for glory will come at the 50th World Championship, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max between April 18-May 4.

Trump lost 17-14 to Mark Williams in the semi-finals last year, but is relishing the future development of the Crucible, which will see players surrounded by fans on all sides.

"Any arena where you are surrounded and immersed, it brings even more pressure," he said.

"We're happy to play there for the next two years, but everyone will be keeping one eye on what is going to happen after. And hopefully, I'll have the chance to play in that new arena."

Trump won the world title with a memorable 18-9 triumph over John Higgins in 2019, but is bidding to become only the 10th multiple world champion of the modern era.

Meanwhile, the first round of the Tour Championship, involving the top 12 players on the one-year list minus Ronnie O'Sullivan, concludes on Tuesday with John Higgins beginning his title defence against Mark Williams.

Barry Hawkins leads new World Open champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 5-3, while Wu Yize carries a 6-2 lead into the second session of his match with Chris Wakelin on Tuesday night.