Judd Trump opens up on ‘worrying times’ as snooker top seed foresees major challenge

 The Ace in the Pack is favourite for World Championship glory, but he's taking nothing for granted

Judd Trump believes major challenges lie ahead for British players(Image: BBC)

Snooker's British stars are going to face a major challenge from China unless the game's young guns buck up their ideas, according to Judd Trump.

The World Championship favourite believes that a record field of Chinese players at the Crucible shows the way the sport is heading, and reckons it's down to players like him and Mark Selby to fight back.

Zhao Xintong has already caught the eye on his return, whilst reigning Crucible king Kyren Wilson was knocked out in the first round by Lei Peifan. With both players part of Ding Junhui's Sheffield academy

And Trump believes the Brits need to up their game to compete with the next generation of talent from the Far East.

He told the BBC: "I think the standard is only getting better and I think you’re seeing it this week already with some of the Chinese players. They are pushing each other on to the next level.

"It’s worrying times for the rest of the game I think if they keep up that kind of work ethic and hunger that maybe some of the younger generation don’t have any more.

"It’s up to me and the likes of Mark Selby and a few others to kind of keep them just that little bit behind."

Kyren Wilson was knocked out at the first round by Lei Peifan

Outgoing champion Wilson believes the growth of snooker in China can only be a good thing, whilst six time champion Steve Davis is enjoying seeing the players teaming up to spur each other on.

Davis said: "They are all individuals wanting success themselves. But if you’re moving to another country then it’s not a bad idea to team up for the camaraderie.

"If you can support your team members but still maintain your own individuality then that’s a great balance to have.

"It would be the same if all the players from the UK had to go to China to live, work and play then it would’ve been the same environment."

Wilson added: "Going from their homes it takes them about two minutes to get to the Crucible, which is ideal.

"Having your own bed, we kind of scramble for half an hour here and there on the practice tables at the Crucible. These guys are playing each other and they’ll play all day long.

Zhao Xintong is already one of the favourites for the Crucible title

"It’s fantastic to see because they deserve everything they get. It’s not easy leaving their families in China, so it’s great to see.

"If I was going to give some advice to the younger players it would be to listen to the advice of Ding Junhui and Xiao Guodong who have been on the tour for many years. Keep picking their brains and keep learning.

Whilst Ding has been the trailblazer and a consistent ranking event winner for almost two decades, both Davis and Wilson believe another man will be China's first world champion.

"For me it’s all about Xintong. Potentially he’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen in the game." said Davis.

"I think you’d had to go with Steve. But you can’t write Ding Junhui off just yet," added Wilson.