Judd Trump has called on snooker’s governing bodies to take urgent action against disruptive crowd behaviour following his World Championship semi-final defeat to Mark Williams. Trump, currently the world No 1, expressed concern that the game is beginning to mirror the raucous atmosphere of darts events, which he believes undermines snooker’s long-standing traditions of quiet concentration and respect.
The issue came to a head during a tense moment in his semi-final clash at the Crucible Theatre. Trailing 14-11 in the best-of-33-frame match, Trump produced a sensational long red followed by an incredibly fine pot on the brown, setting himself up for a crucial clearance. However, just before he missed a relatively routine red, a spectator shouted, “Can’t miss that Judd,” clearly audible in the silent arena. The interruption appeared to rattle Trump, who ultimately lost the frame, allowing Williams to edge closer to the final.
Trump did not blame the incident solely for his defeat but made his feelings clear afterwards. He emphasised the importance of maintaining snooker’s unique atmosphere, one defined by silence and intense focus. “We don’t really want the darts atmosphere,” he said. “It’s something we need to stamp out immediately. It’s a little annoying and hopefully we can stamp it out.”
Despite his disappointment, Trump was gracious in defeat and praised his opponent’s composure and skill. Mark Williams, the 50-year-old Welshman, delivered a vintage performance to win the match 17-14 and book his place in the final. His consistency, tactical brilliance, and relaxed demeanour under pressure were instrumental in his victory over the world’s top-ranked player.
While Trump was frustrated by the crowd’s behaviour, Williams took a far more laid-back stance. Known for his easygoing personality and wry humour, he brushed off concerns about noise and heckling from the audience. Williams recalled his days playing in local clubs where noise and distractions were commonplace. “It makes no difference to me,” he said. “I play in a club which is loud and noisy. I used to play in a club donkey’s years ago where they’re fighting around my table at 10, 11 o’clock in the morning. They can shout whatever they want when I’m at the table, makes no difference to me.”
This clash of perspectives reflects a broader debate within the snooker community. As the sport attempts to modernise and appeal to younger audiences, some players and fans have embraced a more vibrant, vocal atmosphere. Others, like Trump, fear that straying too far from tradition risks alienating long-time supporters and compromising the integrity of the game.
The World Championship, held annually at the Crucible in Sheffield, is considered the pinnacle of the sport, and the setting’s hushed intensity has become part of its identity. Any shift towards a livelier environment, similar to that of darts or boxing, raises questions about the future direction of snooker.
Trump’s comments are likely to spark further discussions among players, fans, and organisers about how to strike the right balance between accessibility and respect for the game’s heritage. As snooker continues to evolve, the voices of its top stars will play a crucial role in shaping what the sport becomes in the years ahead.
