Judd Trump: A shot clock could help to kill off snooker's slow coaches

Updated 16/12/2017 at 19:10 GMT

Judd Trump feels snooker's governing body must look at employing a shot clock to punish those who are deliberately guilty of slow play.

Judd Trump in action in Glasgow.

Image credit: Eurosport

Former UK champion Trump lamented the tactics of Cao Yupeng following a shock 6-4 defeat to China's world number 67 in the semi-finals of the Scottish Open at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Despite making breaks of 52, 50, 76 and 53, world number Trump could not cull an obdurate opponent who refused to wilt over three hours and 33 minutes.

Trump restored parity at 3-3 from 3-1 behind, but the speedy Bristolian was never in front as Cao moved 5-3 clear before punishing further Trump errors to complete the victory.

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"It is draining, and hard to watch when you are sat there and are trying to get some momentum going," said Trump.

"It is a tough style to play against, but he knows what he is good at. You have to get on top of players like that. You don't even know they are slow if you are making centuries.

I can't see why anyone would want to play slow. You can't not be seeing the shots. I think some people prefer to play slow to put off their opponents rather than just get on with it.

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"It has obviously worked for him. People judge that we need shot clocks. I don't know what it was like for people to watch, but I felt it was a bit draining.

"I think a shot clock should be looked at for some tournaments, not every tournament obviously because people are going to enjoy his style of play. It was just hard to watch."

Trump was not looking for excuses after missing out on a final against John Higgins or Neil Robertson and the chance to play for a £70,000 cheque.

It will be Cao's first appearance in a final in a week when he made a first competitive 147 break. He made runs of 88, 72, 61 and 51 to progress.

"I didn't play well at all. I had my chances, and spent too much time sitting down," said Trump.

"You end up missing and are sat down for two hours again. Some of the Chinese are very slow, and it is very difficult to play against.

It is important to get over this as soon as possible. I could sit and moan about this all day, but I had my chances. I gave it my all, but it just wasn't good enough.

"I'd have preferred Ricky (Walden) to get through as you know what kind of game you are going to get. It is a more enjoyable game.

"Unless John or Neil collapses, there is no way he will win the final. I don't think he can win it, he's not good enough."