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Judd Trump has defended his decision to leave the UK and move to Dubai. The snooker giant left these shores 18 months ago to move to the United Arab Emirates city.

He insists he has rocked up in the Middle East for nicer weather and good snooker facilities, instead of the tax benefits. The two-time Masters winner said: «We can’t get away with tax.

«Everything (earned) in the UK is still taxed. So that’s not the reason. For me, the reason for going is I enjoy spending time outdoors, and I can’t really get that here in the UK anymore.

«I enjoy playing golf a lot in my downtime, and I brought some of my clubs to the UK Championship, but I was unable to play as it was too cold. So there’s a few reasons. I’ve always wanted to move to Dubai. I just felt like now is the time, when the game is changing, really.

«Half the tournaments are abroad. I can imagine that there’s going to be a day where it’s actually beneficial to be in Dubai, or wherever it is, rather than in the UK anymore. That’s what I feel. Obviously because of Zhao Xintong, there’s going to be more tournaments in China in the future and abroad.»