Judd Trump has admitted recent public criticism has been hard to take and made him hungry for more success.

The Bristol Ace lifted his ninth career ranking title on Sunday night with an impressive victory against Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Northern Ireland Open.

It was Trump’s first silverware in more than a year and he labelled the 9-7 victory as one of the best in his career.

The win ended a frustration time for Trump which has seen him on the receiving end of some public criticism over his ‘lack’ of success and regarding the fact he is still yet to win the World Championship.

After winning the Alex Higgins Trophy he said: “A few people have written me off.

I think what I’ve achieved at my age (29) I’ve won nine tournaments now and still well ahead of my age group so it feels nice to shut them up for a bit

“This is a massive win. It has been a long time since I have won an event. It is nice to get one at the start of the season, which is still quite fresh for me. There is a long way to go and this gives me confidence to carry into some big tournaments coming up.

“It was nice to play the sort of snooker I have in the past. Going for my shots, potting everything and clearing up. It is nice to play with a bit of freedom again.”

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