Judd Trump insists the inaugural Nirvana Turkish Masters will be a lot more than just a holiday when snooker heads to Antalya.
The Juddernaut will definitely be entering the first ever professional tournament to be staged in Turkey in March at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in the Mediterranean resort city.
Some players may pack their golf clubs – and others put under extreme family pressure for the crucial single UK qualifying match by those desperate to fly out.
But former world champion and current No2 Trump, 32, says that the top prize of £100,000 is sufficient to focus minds on the baize rather than the beaches.
He said: “Don’t get me wrong, I am sure some of the players that get through the qualifier may want to take their families along and have that extra pressure!
“But looking at the money and the £100,000 first prize, it is actually one of the bigger events of the season.
“So I’m not sure anyone will be there just to relax and you will go with the mindset of trying to win it, even more with some of those cancelled in places like China.
“It has been a stop-start season and that is reflected in the quality which has not been as high for that reason – maybe apart from John Higgins.
“But of course some players might think they can kill two birds with one stone – take the family on holiday for free, and then compete hard in a big tournament for decent money.
“Because of everything that has gone on and the lack of overseas events, no one really expected this tournament to be on and it’s good to know it is a four-year deal.
“So it was a really good piece of news when it was confirmed over the weekend. Listen, a lot of the places we play at the moment aren’t the most glamorous.
“I am sure the players will be excited and especially those down the rankings who don’t get to play at the Masters or the Tour Championships.
“To have the chance to both play and get away and get some sun doesn’t come along every week, and it will add some pressure to the qualifiers.
“I went to Antalya as one of my first holidays when I was about 18, and it is a really nice place.”
***Judd Trump is an ambassador for Select Car Leasing***
This post appeared first on Daily Star – Snooker.
Facebook Notice for EU!
You need to login to view and post FB Comments!
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Snooker News Click Here
