Judd Trump Frustrated by ‘Ping Pong’ Cue Ball in 2025 Players Championship Defeat to Kyren Wilson
In an intense final at the 2025 Players Championship in Telford, Judd Trump’s bid for a third ranking title of the season came to a heartbreaking end as he was narrowly defeated by Kyren Wilson, 10-9. Wilson’s victory marked his fourth ranking title of the 2024/25 season, following triumphs at the German Masters and the Northern Ireland Open, and saw him equal Jimmy White’s career total of 10 ranking titles.
The match itself was a thrilling spectacle, with Wilson holding the lead at 8-5 and 9-7, before Trump mounted a resilient comeback, firing in the only century of the match to set up a dramatic decider. However, it was Wilson who ultimately triumphed, winning the final frame 69-30 to secure the title. Despite his best efforts, Trump was left frustrated by the conditions in Telford, which he described as “strange” and challenging.
Trump, who had already won the Saudi Arabia Masters and the UK Championship this season, admitted that the conditions on the table were unlike anything he had encountered before. Speaking to ITV after the match, Trump said, “The balls were playing a bit tricky, it wasn’t like the rest of the tournament where I was able to play free-flowing. I don’t know what the difference was. It was very, very strange, and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that before in a tournament.”
Trump went on to explain that the cue ball in particular was a major issue, explaining, “The [cue] ball was very light, and it was taking off like a ping-pong ball. It was a bit strange.” The unpredictable nature of the cue ball left both players struggling to adjust to the conditions throughout the match, adding to the drama of an already tense final.
Despite the frustration, Trump’s performance throughout the tournament had been impressive, and he will be eager to put this defeat behind him as he prepares for the upcoming World Championship. Wilson, meanwhile, reflected on the significance of his victory, especially as it brought him level with one of his childhood idols, Jimmy White. “For me growing up, watching a legend like Jimmy, to be level with him on 10 ranking titles is a dream come true,” said Wilson.
With the World Championship on the horizon, both players will take valuable lessons from the Players Championship final. For Wilson, his fourth title of the season provides a massive confidence boost as he seeks to defend his Crucible title next month, while Trump will no doubt be looking to bounce back in Sheffield.