Judd Trump has started producing the form to win the World Championship, but must be more consistent in order to get his hands on the trophy, says Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The 29-year-old goes into the third session of his semi-final with Gary Wilson with a 9-7 lead and is odds-on favourite to make the Crucible final for a second time.
The Masters champion had been level with Wilson after the first session, but turned on the style on Thursday afternoon, rattling off four frames on the spin, including breaks of 73, 123 and 75 in the process.
O’Sullivan was thoroughly impressed with Trump’s work, but says he needs to reach that level more regularly to become champion of the world.
‘I think he played really well today and it was good signs for Judd,’ O’Sullivan told Eurosport. ‘It was the type of snooker it will take to win this World Championship.
‘I think Dave Gilbert has produced it a bit more consistently but if Judd can up his level and play that level 60 or 70% of the time he’s probably going to be the champion.’
Gilbert leads his semi-final with John Higgins 13-11 going into their final session on Saturday, but it is Trump that O’Sullivan fancies to emerge victorious in Monday’s final.
‘At the moment he’s playing as well as anybody,’ the Rocket continued. ‘He’s always had a good power game.
‘I think he’s dedicated himself to the game more now, practicing harder. I think he’s got his brother living with him now, and all they do as practice and just focus on snooker.’
Jimmy White agreed with O’Sullivan’s assessment and believes Trump has a fabulous chance of getting his hands on the trophy.
‘For me he’s come of age the last two years,’ said the Whirlwind. ‘He’s managed to not go for certain balls, he’s improved his safety game and he’s now won the Masters
‘I think this is the best chance he’s had for a long, long time.’
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