Judd in time

Judd Trump definitely knows how to have a good time - but today it was back to work and pretty much business as usual.

Picture by Monique Limbos

He looked close to his awesome best as he hammered Dominic Dale 5-1 on his return to the baize.

There were murmurs this morning that the world number two could be in line to join the growing list of seeded players to exit the Wuxi Classic at the very first hurdle.

In the eight weeks since his defeat to Ali Carter at the World Championship, young Judd has been enjoying himself in the sun of Las Vegas and Dubai.

His tweets in the close season suggest there's been little happening on his practice table and this was deemed as ill preparation by many.

But I believe a break is just what he needed after a long, but successful season. In a campaign where he won the UK Championship, a PTC and climbed to a career-high world ranking, it's only right that he took some time away to enjoy his progress, spend some of his prize money, get away from the game and recharge ready to go again.

I don't think playing snooker all year round is any better for you than taking breaks at the right time.

And on today's evidence, Trump proved that theory entirely correct. He made two centuries, a clearance of 75 and looked as cool as ice en route to a routine win.

It looks like Judd might be ready to steal some of the Rocket's thunder too. With O'Sullivan missing, his Grove buddy stole all the applause with a welcome to the arena even greater than that of home hope Ding Junhui.

If he can find something else up his sleeve this week, Trump could soon be unrivalled as the star of the show in the eyes of the passionate Chinese contingent.

This post wouldn't be complete without a word too for Rod Lawler. He's not had the luxury of enjoying a holiday this summer. He's been non-stop hard at work, but is reaping the rewards of match sharpness.

Lawler ended the season off of the professional tour but recaptured his place immediately through QSchool, went on to qualify for this event and today beat recent World Championship semi-finalist Stephen Maguire 5-4. So much for taking a break being the best answer...