Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson show future can be bright for British snooker despite Stephen Hendry prediction - 'Important rivalry'

It is not quite a case of the Empire Strikes Back in snooker's unique version of Star Wars, but perhaps Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson, the sport's young old guard and the very best of British, reminded everyone at the Shanghai Masters that Chinese domination is far from inevitable.

Trump's 11-6 win over Wilson in Sunday's final was an impressive effort from both men, who both hit seven centuries to reach the showpiece occasion, considering the level of opponent they had to overcome.

Trump edged Barry Hawkins 6-4, whitewashed John Higgins 6-0 and dispatched world champion Wu Yize 10-6, while defending champion Wilson was forced to defeat Ronnie O'Sullivan (6-4), Mark Williams (6-5) and 2025 Crucible winner Zhao Xintong (10-8).

In all three matches, the 2024 world champion Wilson managed to retrieve deficits, including a four-frame winning burst from 8-6 down against Zhao.

Shanghai Masters

Trump fears 'uphill struggle' to retain world No. 1 spot despite Shanghai win

02/08/2026 at 20:25

But an in-form Trump always looked the likeliest champion, and was never behind after moving 2-1 clear as he produced some vintage levels of form to win his second Shanghai Masters title in the past two years.

"It should really have been 5-5 after the first session," Wilson told reporters.

"That is how good Judd Trump is. If you give him a chance he will punish you and when he smells blood he goes for the kill.

"I made it too difficult tonight, but I kept fighting."

Trump puts Wilson 'in a lot of trouble' with dastardly snooker

Video credit: TNT Sports

No ranking points were on offer in Shanghai, but contesting the first major trophy of the season will do neither man any harm as they try to rise to the growing threat from the Far East.

It comes after seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry offered a gloomy analysis of the UK's future prospects last month after watching Wu emulate Zhao by becoming China's second successive world champion.

"There's a lot of good players out there," said Hendry. "But are they special? Are they a Ronnie O'Sullivan? Have I seen anyone yet that I think they're going to win four, five, six world titles? No, I haven't seen anyone yet.

"If I look at Wu Yize, Zhao Xintong or Chang Bingyu, who's not at their level yet in terms of winning tournaments, but has incredible talent.

"I'd be shocked if these guys didn't share in the next 10, 15 years, you know, a dozen world titles between them.

"They're that good. And that's what I look for."

Trump and Wilson will have other ideas about what the future holds.

The 2019 Crucible champion has been world No. 1 since August 2024, but Trump's position is suddenly under threat at the outset of the new campaign due to 500,000 points coming off his total from his 10-9 win over Williams in the Saudi Arabia Masters final two years ago.

That huge haul of points will affect Trump's lofty standing after the Wuhan Open, which is staged between August 23-29.

With the Saudi Arabia Masters removed from the calendar, the first major ranking event of the season comes with the China Open, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max on August 8-16, which returns to the main circuit after a seven-year absence.

'Hard enough playing Trump' - Rogue fly dispatched by Wilson in Shanghai Masters final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The jostle for the top spot in the rankings looks to be a close-run affair this season with Neil Robertson, Wu and Zhao circling the 31-time ranking event winner at the summit.

Trump is 378,350 points ahead of Robertson, with Zhao 401,000 points behind in third spot and Wu within 464,650 points of the summit for the first time, all within striking distance when Trump's Saudi points disappear.

• Trump fears 'uphill struggle' to retain world No. 1 spot despite Shanghai win
• TNT Sports continues as home of snooker in the UK, Ireland with World Snooker Tour extension

Trump is due to face Noppon Saengkham in his opener at the China Open next Sunday at 07:00 UK time, while Wilson takes on Aaron Hill at 12:30 on Monday.

"It is the first tournament of the year, and it is a bit unknown how you are going to play," said Trump to World Snooker Tour after earning a £210,000 winner's cheque.

'His game is back' - Wilson squeezes past Zhao to set up 'fantastic' final

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Especially with the challenge of Xintong and Wu Yize, and a few other players up there, this rivalry is important for us.

"I think Kyren struggled a bit in the ranking events last season. I did alright, but there are people just behind now.

"You want to show them that you are still the best in the world, and it is important to be winning big events like this.

"I love being world No.1. It is something I am very happy about.

"If I am going to drop down the rankings a bit, it is always nice to win these prestigious invitational tournaments like the Shanghai Masters. 

"The last time I won Shanghai I had a great season after that.

"You need to win tournaments like this to test yourself against the best. It also gives you the most confidence if you do win them.

"It was important to get off to a good start. I've done that, I just need to do the rest now."

---

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. 

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.

Watch and stream the 2026/27 snooker season, including the World Championship and Home Nations events, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Shanghai Masters

'Hard enough playing Judd Trump' - Wilson swats away fly in Shanghai final

02/08/2026 at 14:24

Shanghai Masters

Trump beats Wilson to claim second Shanghai Masters crown

02/08/2026 at 16:13