Judd Trump enjoying criticism as Stephen Hendry remarks boost him at The Masters

The world number four has come through back-to-back epics, beating Ryan Day 6-5 in round one before downing Barry Hawkins by the same scoreline at Alexandra Palace.

The former world champion was not at his best in either match and after beating Day, Hendry questioned whether Trump could do the same to Hawkins.

Asked what he learned from Trump’s opening game on the BBC, Hendry said: ‘That he wasn’t playing well. He had a century break, but that was the highlight.

‘And it’s worrying words that he says he’s “hoping” to find something. You don’t want to be at a tournament like this against someone like Barry Hawkins “hoping” to find form.

‘I make Barry favourite for that reason. It’s very different to switch on.’

After coming through that test from the Hawk, in which Trump made two centuries including a 143, he said that he heard Hendry’s words before going out to play and they were actually very helpful.

‘I did hear the comments from Stephen, we were only getting there to go in,’ said Trump. ‘He is going on about me not playing great in the first game.

‘Up to 3-3 he was probably right, but I always feel I have the next gear to go to whereas other players don’t have that. And a lot of that time little things like that do gee me up, I enjoy it.

‘After a couple of years of being number one and winning lots, I do enjoy it when people write me off a bit.’

Trump may need another gee up against an in-form Stuart Bingham in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.

Ballrun is coming off a 6-0 walloping of Shaun Murphy and was understandably buzzing after battering the Magician.

‘I thought he [Murphy] was lucky to get nil!’ Bingham joked. ‘An unbelievable performance, same again as Wednesday night.

‘Before I came out, I was all nervous and that first frame obviously settled me, and I went from strength to strength.

‘It [The Masters] brings the best out of me. It’s definitely good coming back to a venue where you know you’ve done the business.

‘Unbelievable crowd. Sorry it was 6-0, it’s an early night, but I’ve got an important match tomorrow night with Mr Judd Trump!’

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