[Judd] Trump Headed To Capitol Hill [Seattle]
Snooker in America is a rare sight, but it does exist in small pockets across the country. (Pun intended) In the Seattle area we are fortunate to have three snooker tables at Empire Billiards in Redmond, four at OX BILLIARDS in Seattle, and one 100+ year old table at The Eastlake Zoo. In total WA State has 9 public snooker tables with the 9th table being a 10 footer at The Olympic Club and Hotel in Centralia. Washington State used to have 10 tables, but Art Marble got rid of theirs in 2019— I have that one in storage at the moment.
Across America there are a total of 391 snooker tables with the majority (211) of them being 10 footers. [findsnooker.com] California boasts the most tables of any State with 64, then NY-32, Texas-31, and Georgia-24.
Of the 391 tables across the country, one table at OX BILLIARDS will be the center of attention on Sunday the 19th. The current world #2 and 2019 World Snooker Champion, Judd Trump will be at OX for an exhibition. Judd is known for his cue power and exciting play. He is at the top of his game and we are very fortunate to have him at our club. It is a snooker enthusiast’s dream.
Before arriving to Seattle, Judd will compete in the US Open Pool Championship. His entry into the tournament has created quite the buzz with pool and snooker players and fans. We are all going to watch and see how he does with a pool cue. When the great Ronnie O'Sullivan played pool a couple of decades ago, he did very well. But, with no offense to anyone, the pool standard has improved quite a bit since then. Pro pool players these days have expanded their strategy, improved their technique, and use better equipment. When Ronnie played pool, there wasn’t much jumping over balls when players were snookered, and there were not too many snookers either. Nowadays, pool players flex their defensive muscles and know how to make life tough on their opponents. Because of the advancements in equipment, like jump cue technologies, getting out of snookers is more common. In turn, the snookers in pool have become tighter and more brutal.
Judd is also not your typical snooker player. He sees the table differently than a lot of WST players— which will help him adapt to pool quicker. He will surprise players with some of the shots he can make. Snooker is a precision game with a tighter ball-to-pocket ratio than pool. Judd has been playing on 12 foot tables since he was a kid and no shot in pool will be too long. In addition, Judd is both a banker and a surgeon with extremely good cueball control. In snooker a bank shot is not very common, but Judd does go for them with much success. A lot has been said about Judd lacking in pool strategy. We will see, but I tend to disagree. His cueball control in snooker will help him work around the pool table. If anything will be a challenge, it may be adapting back to snooker when he is finished playing pool.
When the tourney is over, Judd will fly across the country to Seattle. OX is capping the attendees to 40 people for an intimate setting. So far over half the tickets are sold out— there is still time to get a ticket! During his exhibition he will play 10 people. Those spots have sold out. Most players want to play him snooker, and a couple want to play him in pool. We all hope to see a 147 in real life. I would love to see some of his great shots recreated, like the magical cueball stun after potting a long green ball, or a deep screw across the length of the table. Attendees will also get to a take picture with him and get his autograph. OX is planning a special memento to commemorate the evening. You will have to attend to find out what it is.
See you there!
Links to articles about Judd's entry in the US Open:
https://matchroompool.com/news/judd-trump-to-compete-at-us-open/