Snooker’s top-ranked player Judd Trump has disclosed that he is effectively without a permanent home after fleeing Dubai amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
The 36-year-old former world champion has relocated to Bangkok, Thailand, where he has been staying in hotels on a day-to-day basis for several weeks.
Trump is currently participating in the World Open in Yushan, China, which commenced on Monday, having used his time in Thailand to maintain his practice regime.
His brother Jack, who also resided in Dubai, was temporarily stranded in the emirate before managing to leave the region.
Trump had made the move to Dubai from the United Kingdom in January 2024, a decision he spoke about publicly just two months ago.
At that time, he explained that superior weather conditions and better snooker training facilities were the primary factors behind his relocation.
The world No 1 also splits his time in Hong Kong when not based in the Middle East.
Snooker’s top-ranked player Judd Trump has disclosed that he is effectively without a permanent home after fleeing Dubai amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East
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PA
However, the outbreak of conflict between the US and Iran has upended these arrangements entirely, forcing the Bristol-born player to abandon his Dubai base and seek alternative accommodation elsewhere in Asia while the situation remains volatile.
Speaking to The Sun, Trump explained his predicament: “I had to leave [Dubai]. So we went to Bangkok.
“Yeah, it’s a bit up in the air at the moment really. I don’t really think I can go back at the moment, just in case I get stuck there.”
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The former world champion added: “[I’m] just kind of looking for somewhere else to live at the moment.
“At the moment I’ll just base myself in Bangkok. There’s some good practice there. Very well looked after.
“It’s just all a bit play it day-by-day at the moment.”
Regarding his sibling’s situation, Trump said: “My brother was stuck in Dubai for a little bit so that wasn’t good.
“Luckily he’s got out now and hopefully things turn around.”
Trump described the emotional toll of his uncertain circumstances, stating: “It’s just difficult at the moment because you don’t know where I’m going to be living.”
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He continued: “Every day is different. Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks really.
“It’s not nice to be not at home, not knowing what you’re going to do. I don’t know what I’m going to do after this and stuff like that.”
Despite the upheaval, the snooker star is attempting to maintain a positive outlook while focusing on his professional commitments.
“It’s just play it day by day, trying my best when I’m out there playing snooker. Away from the table, just take the positives,” Trump said.
