Stephen Hendry insists Judd Trump needs to get a grip after losing Masters semi-final: ‘He has got to go away and think about the shots that cost him'

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Stephen Hendry insists that Judd Trump must get a grip — or see any chance of more major titles disappear.

Trump, tipped to be the natural successor to Ronnie O’Sullivan, was brought to a shuddering halt at this year’s Masters when he lost his semi-final 6-5 to Kyren Wilson, having led 5-2.

Trump, 28, looks to be at a crossroads after throwing away the chance of victory with some ill-judged shots.

Judd Trump was defeated 6-5 by Kyren Wilson in the semi-final of this year's Masters

This was yet another chance of a Triple Crown title — the World, Masters and UK Championships — to slip away. It is seven years since Trump won the UK title.

Hendry, the seven-time World and six-time Masters champion, said: ‘This defeat is very damaging for Judd and it will take a long time for him to get over it.

‘He doesn’t want to be known as the flair player with all the talent but no titles to his name.

‘He’s got to go away and think about the shots that cost him at the Masters.’

Meanwhile, the China Open in April will feature the biggest first prize in history outside the World Championship. The winner in Beijing will collect £225,000, part of a £1million prize fund. ‘This is a fantastic announcement,’ said Barry Hearn, World Snooker’s chairman.

Stephen Hendry insists Trump has 'to go away and think about the shots that cost him'