Judd Trump believes he can avoid the Crucible curse and defend his world title.
No first-time world champion has successfully defended their title since the event moved to the Crucible Theatre in 1977.
Trump, who began his title defence against Tom Ford today, said: “People put pressure on themselves to win it because it’s never been done before. I think it’s different this year. We didn’t think the event was going to be on so it’s a double bonus really, and it wouldn’t sink in for me until I got to the last four or the final.
“The first few rounds, I’m going to enjoy myself. Worst case is I don’t win it and nobody has won it as reigning champion before, so it’s a free roll for me to have a go at it.
“There’s no pressure anymore. I always wanted to win the worlds and I finally did it. I’ve won enough tournaments this season to be satisfied with my season and everyone is under pressure to beat me.”
