The Ace in the Pack is 9/2 to follow-up his recent Masters success by landing a second world title at the iconic home of snooker, the Crucible Theatre, in April.

Judd Trump has been installed as the narrow second favourite to prevail in Sheffield, behind 4/1 shot Ronnie O’Sullivan, after adding a fourth Triple Crown title to his already extensive honours list at London’s Alexandra Palace.

The former world number one, and current number four, edged out Mark Williams 10-8 in front of over 2,000 spectators in a fascinating final – fighting back from 7-6 and 8-7 down to seal a sensational victory courtesy of a brilliant 126 break in frame 18.

The usually flamboyant and heavy scoring Bristolian racked up just two century breaks en-route to his success; instead leaning upon his newfound patience and stubbornness to help see off the challenge of one of the game’s most prolific winners.

Whilst Trump is renowned for overwhelming his opponents with his unparalleled potting prowess, he showcased sheer grit and determination to claw his way to victory against an opponent whose remarkable longevity in the game was backed up by the fact he was playing in his second Masters final 20 years on from his 2003 triumph.

But whilst it was the Welshman who played arguably the more eye-catching stuff in the capital, it was Trump who dug deepest to recapture the coveted crown for the first time since 2019, when his 10-4 demolition win over O’Sullivan proved the catalyst for a blistering second half of the season which culminated in world championship glory.
 

Trump enjoyed a landslide 18-9 victory over John Higgins in the 2019 Crucible final.

The talented cueist will be hoping history repeats itself for a second time as he eyes up the biggest prize of the lot in the spring, but knows he will have to fend off a number of serious challengers – including 16/1 chance Williams – if he is to further cement his name in the sport’s history books.

O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is the obvious challenger to Trump’s quest for supremacy, as the Rocket bids to successfully defend his crown and further establish himself as the most decorated player of all-time.

The Londoner is level with Stephen Hendry on seven world titles and is 4/1 to make it eight in April, with a plethora of other worthy candidates firmly in the running.

Four-time winners Mark Selby (7/1) and John Higgins (18/1) will both have their backers, whilst Australian potting machine Neil Robertson, who is the 5/1 third-favourite to lift the trophy, would love to land world championship silverware for a second time.

Shaun Murphy and Kyren Wilson, both of whom have reached finals in the past three years, are available at 25/1 and 18/1, whilst UK Championship winner Mark Allen is an appealing 12/1 shot to go the distance in South Yorkshire.

View all World Championship 2023 Outright odds

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
 

Mark Mothershaw

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