Higgins Trumps Judd but new era beckons

Judd Trump is set to lead snooker into a new era

John Higgins was magnificent in winning his fourth world snooker title yesterday, but snooker has found a new hero in Judd Trump.

Trump's swashbuckling displays over the past few weeks have attracted a whole new legion of fans to the game, and he was unlucky to come up against such a consistent player in the final.

The 21-year-old has been known for some time on the snooker circuit as a player with tremendous raw talent, perhaps the most naturally gifted player since Ronnie O'Sullivan, but it is only recently he has been able to show his qualities on the biggest stages.

His win in the China Open four weeks ago was an indication he was ready to truly announce himself on the world stage, and his performances in Sheffield only served to confirm his potential was beginning to be realised.

Snooker players are not easily recognisable like they were in the 1970s and 80s, apart from O'Sullivan, but Trump has really captured the imagination and looks set to lead the sport into a rosy new era.

His attacking play is a joy to behold and his long potting left Dennis Taylor to state he was the "best potter I've ever seen".

Trump won many new fans after his performances at the Crucible

His stunning accuracy with the long pots puts pressure on his opponents as they know they must get safety shots inch-perfect as Trump can seemingly pot balls from anywhere on the table.

Quite simply, he was born to pot snooker balls.

Sure, as time progresses he will have to work on the tactical side of his game and his safety play. But that will come.

Hopefully, his attacking style will remain throughout his career as snooker needs exciting talents and players who are willing to take difficult shots on, and Judd is better than anybody at doing that. Take that away and his future success would be risked.

The fact he seems to be a genuinely nice person has also helped his cause.

His gracious manner after the loss to Higgins shows he knows he will get plenty more chances to pick up the top prize. Few would bet against him winning multiple world titles just like the Scotsman.

His Tweets during intervals have also helped his popularity.

His honest assessments of how the game is going adds a new dimension to snooker, where fans can interact with the player and get his true feelings as the match is going on.

Against Ding Junhui in the semi-final, many predicted the Bristolian would crumble under the pressure.

But this young man does not seem to suffer from pressure. As many commentators have said, he plays exactly the same on the world stage as he does in his snooker club.

He did get a good run of the balls against Ding, although this eluded him in the final, but his display was top-drawer and he thoroughly deserved his place in the final.

He also beat former champions Neil Robertson and Graeme Dott along the way and these victories show he is ready to claim his place as one of snooker's top guns.

Reigning champion Neil Robertson was among Trump's victims

While Trump is clearly extremely talented, sometimes it is easy to underestimate just how much work people like him put in to perfect their games.

It is not a case of just being able to do something. No-one can do anything to a high standard without practice, practice and more practice.

It is clear Trump loves the game of snooker as he has been tirelessly practicing since he was three years old, and it is his just reward this endeavour has paid off.

He is destined for greatness and it is only a matter of time until he wins the world title.

Higgins, meanwhile, has already reached greatness.

Higgins overcame personal troubles to claim his fourth crown

He has had a torrid twelve months, from the match-fixing scandal to the death of his father, but has come out of it the other side a better player and a better person.

Some say he should have been banned for life for agreeing to throw frames, but Higgins claims the circumstances were not clear-cut and he feared for his life.

He never actually followed through with throwing a frame, so the benefit of the doubt needed to be given.

One thing is for sure, he will never fall into that trap again.

His brilliant tactical and technical play was a joy to behold as he fought back the emotions and triumphed, and whatever the rights and wrongs of what he has done in the past he deserves respect for his play here. This is his fourth world title and more could follow.

As for Trump, he is the peoples' champion.

He has followed in the footsteps of O'Sullivan and Jimmy White - whose style has been described to similar to that of Trump - to bring glamour and excitement to snooker.

This years' tournament, despite the brilliance of Higgins, will be remembered for the exuberance of Trump.

Barry Hearn has big plans for snooker and Trump is now sure to be at the centre of them.

Barry Hearn plans to make snooker more popular

He will draw in many new fans and be the face of the new era, the player youngsters look up to and try to copy.

As long as he keeps working hard - which there is little doubt he will do - he could become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

He still has a long way to go but it shouldn't be too long before he wins the top prize at the Crucible.

He is sure to have many more battles with Higgins over the coming years, with his age suggesting he is only going to get better while Higgins should soon be on the wane.

Higgins may have won the battle, but Trump should win the war.