‘A bit of an off-day for me’ – Judd Trump praises Joe Perry for ‘deserved’ Welsh Open final win

Judd Trump has said he had an off-day, but conceded Joe Perry was the better player in their Welsh Open final.

Trump was the strong favourite going into the final, but could never shake Perry off in the afternoon and was brushed aside in the evening session in Newport.

“It was a tough game,” Trump said on Eurosport. “Joe played the better of us from start to finish.

“Fair play to him. I want to congratulate him. It is his first win in the UK and he is one of the nicest guys on tour, so everyone is happy for him.”

Commenting on his performance, Trump said: “I was digging in all day and there were a couple of chances where I missed easy balls.

“I gave it my all, but it wasn’t to be.

“Joe put me under pressure, potted some cracking long balls and scored the heavier and at the crucial times he was potting the balls.

“A bit of an off-day for me, but Joe was the best player over the course of the week and deserved to win.”

Trump has gone over a year without a ranking title, and is still seeking a first Welsh Open crown. He will saddle up again in 12 months’ time.

“I will be back here next year,” he said. “The crowds have been amazing. I will go again next year.”

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