Judd Trump's Personal Turmoil Amid Professional Dominance
Snooker superstar Judd Trump has experienced a tumultuous start to 2026, with his personal life generating significant headlines while he maintains exceptional form on the baize. The world number one player finds himself effectively homeless after a sudden departure from Dubai, coupled with swirling speculation about a potential split from his figure skating girlfriend, Maisy Ma. Despite these off-table challenges, Trump remains focused on securing his first Tour Championship victory, having advanced to the final after a commanding 10-4 victory over Neil Robertson on Friday.
Homelessness Following Middle East Conflict
Trump's living situation became precarious following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East in late February. The snooker ace had established Dubai as his primary residence after relocating from England last year, maintaining dual residency with Hong Kong where he spent considerable time. However, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, retaliatory strikes affected several Gulf states including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, forcing Trump to evacuate abruptly.
The 36-year-old athlete disclosed that this emergency departure left him without a permanent home, explaining he traveled to Bangkok rather than Hong Kong following his exit from Dubai. "I had to leave [Dubai] so we went to Bangkok," Trump stated during the World Open in Yushan, China last month. "It's a bit up in the air at the moment. I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there. Just kind of looking for somewhere else to live."
Relationship Speculation Intensifies
Compounding Trump's housing predicament, rumours have circulated regarding his relationship status with figure skater Maisy Ma. The couple, reportedly together for two years, have seemingly unfollowed each other on Instagram, with no recent traces of their relationship visible on either social media account. Ma resides in Hong Kong, where Trump previously spent significant time, yet he opted for Bangkok following his Dubai evacuation.
This social media activity has fueled speculation about a potential separation, though neither party has made official statements regarding their relationship status. The apparent distance comes as Trump navigates his unstable living arrangements and maintains his professional commitments.
Maintaining Professional Excellence
Remarkably, Trump's personal challenges have not diminished his snooker prowess. The Bristol-born player has demonstrated remarkable resilience, practicing diligently in Thailand and advancing to his first Tour Championship final in Manchester. "Just trying to make the best of a bad situation," Trump reflected. "It's just difficult at the moment because you don't know where I'm going to be living. Every day is different."
Trump described the psychological toll of his circumstances, noting, "Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks. 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. Away from the table, just take the positives."
Tour Championship Final Awaits
Despite these personal upheavals, Trump remains poised for Sunday's Tour Championship final, where he will face either defending champion John Higgins or reigning world champion Zhao Xintong. His ability to compartmentalize personal distress while maintaining elite performance underscores his professional dedication and mental fortitude.
Trump's brother was also affected by the Middle East conflict, becoming temporarily stranded in Dubai before managing to evacuate. The snooker star expressed relief at his brother's safe departure, hoping for improved circumstances in the region. As Trump continues his hotel-based existence in Bangkok, his immediate focus remains on claiming Tour Championship glory while navigating an uncertain personal landscape marked by homelessness and relationship speculation.
