When Judd Trump starts his quest for a third consecutive ranking title this Sunday at the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, the first man in his path will be Jenson Kendrick. And Trump will be facing a player with genuine, new-found belief in his own ability.
Kendrick turned pro in 2022 after coming through Q School, and admits that for much of his time on the pro circuit so far he has grappled with self-doubt and wondered whether he has the attributes needed to stay afloat. But a recent run to the last 32 of the BetVictor English Open has restored his faith.
Looking back on his debut season in 2022/23, when he failed to win a match, the 21-year-old from Stoke said: “I was losing close matches, going back to the practice table, working hard but then losing again. I was doubting whether I had it in me to win a match, and whether I was good enough to be pro. It’s a downward spiral because the more you have those thoughts, the harder it is to win. Sometimes I would wonder what the point in practising was. And of course if you lose you earn no money, and then you are just sitting at home watching the tournament on TV. It batters you mentally.
“Earlier this season at the Wuhan Open qualifiers I lost 5-0 to Jack Lisowski and that was a low point. But then a few days later I played Stuart Bingham in the English qualifiers and for some reason I felt different from the first ball. It was as if I had almost given up and taken all the pressure off myself. I played really well and won 4-1, then at the venue I won again (beating Lukas Kleckers 4-1 before losing to Ali Carter).
“It has taken me time to find my feet but know I can do it, I can win matches, especially beating a former World Champion in Stuart. I am not here just to make up the numbers. It has given me a massive boost of confidence.”
When Kendrick meets Trump on Sunday at the marvellous Waterfront Hall, it will be a landmark occasion, whatever the result. “Judd has been my idol since I was ten years old, it’s a dream to be playing him, especially on the TV table at a big venue,” he said. “I watched him while I was learning to play and tried to copy what he does. My dad (Jason) will be there front row so it will be a great day.
“Judd’s playing the best snooker of his life but I know I can play, and if I do that I can give him a game and put some pressure on him. It will be a big occasion, he’s best in the world.”
Kendrick’s goal for this season is to keep his tour card, and to keep improving as a player. “The one think you really need on the tour is patience,” he said. “My first match last season was against Wu Yize and I realised I was playing an amateur game against a pro. Often in games you can go 30 or 40 minutes without seeing a pot, or 20 minutes on one safety battle. As an amateur, if I saw a pot I was going for it, because if I missed I’d probably get another chance. It’s not like that on the tour, you have to weigh up every shot and wait for the right chance. I am still learning and getting better.
“I’ve had a lot of support from the Victoria Lounge Bar where I practise, my dad’s company Staffs Test Centre and my sponsor The Barber Code. I am 100% focussed on succeeding on the tour.”
In his personal life, Kendrick couldn’t be happier, having become a father to a boy called Kit earlier this year. “That has been a real blessing,” he added. “It has spurred me on and given me extra responsibility. It makes me go to practise even when don’t feel like it, because I’m doing it for Kit, not just for myself. My partner Larna has been amazing, she backs me and wants me to make it.”
Kendrick will meet Trump at 1pm on Sunday in Belfast, on a tremendous opening day when all of the top 16 seeds will be in action – the match schedule is below. Tickets for certain sessions of the event are still on sale from just £15 – for details click here.
10am
Neil Robertson v Wu Yize
Robert Milkins v Cao Yupeng
Ryan Day v Ma Hailong
Not before 1pm
Judd Trump v Jenson Kendrick
Kyren Wilson v Sam Craigie
Ricky Walden v Ben Woollaston
Not before 2pm
Mark Williams v Tian Pengfei
Jack Lisowski v Rebecca Kenna
Robbie McGuigan v Muhammad Asif
7pm
Mark Allen v Ben Mertens
Shaun Murphy v Ryan Thomerson
David Gilbert v Joel Connolly
Not before 8pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ahmed Aly Elsayed
Anthony McGill v Jimmy White
Gary Wilson v Louis Heathcote
