Journalist Phil Haigh believes that “no one is unbeatable, but Judd Trump is as close as anyone gets” in the build-up to the Welsh Open

by Matt Slater

METRO’S journalist Phil Haigh believes that ‘unbeatable’ Judd Trump will claim his first Welsh Open title next week as he looks to win yet another tournament.

Haigh is a snooker reporter for Metro, as well as writing about darts, football and combat-sports for the publication. He is also the co-host of the Talking Snooker podcast.

And despite Trump failing to win the Welsh Open to this point, Haigh believes that the world number one will seal the deal next week.

“Judd Trump is the favourite, as he is in every tournament he plays in at the minute,” Haigh said.

“It’s hard to look past him – he looks close to unbeatable in anything longer than a best of three or five frames.

“No one’s unbeatable, but he’s as close as anyone gets at the moment.”

Haigh also pins Chinese sensation Yan Bingtao and Welshman Ryan Day as serious contenders.

“The Masters champion, Yan Bingtao, is a serious threat in anything he plays in now,” Haigh continued.

“Ryan Day is coming off his win at the Shootout on Sunday.

“Obviously being a Welshmen, he is playing in his home event, so he is going to be full of confidence and have extra motivation.

“Mark Williams is still the only Welshman to win the Welsh Open, so Ryan would love to be the second man to do that.”

The journalist also tags Bingtao’s compatriot, Zhou Yuelong, as having an outside shot at the Ray Reardon trophy.

“Zhou Yuelong Is the upcoming man at the minute,” Haigh added.

“He is lurking just outside the top-16 at the minute, and he will be in there soon.

“He is only 22 and has had some good runs this season – he is one to look out for.”

The tournament has moved back to Newport and will be played at the Celtic Manor Resort, following its five-year stint in the Welsh capital.

And with this, Haigh believes that this will add to the motivation of the competitors.

“I think it will re-invigorate a lot of the players,” Haigh said.

“The entire season has been at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes – there’s nothing wrong with it but I think the players are sick of going to Milton Keynes every weekend.

“It is tough to motivate yourself.

“Celtic Manor is a great setting, it’s not just a bit of a car-park in Milton Keynes!”

The full interview can be found here:

Phil Haigh – Welsh Open Preview – YouTube