Judd Trump has followed in the footsteps of Ronnie O’Sullivan by taking up residency in Hong Kong, having passed through the same migrant scheme as The Rocket.
Two months ago, it was confirmed that O’Sullivan had become a resident of the former British colony, with the 49-year-old citing its low tax rates. Foreign nationals still have to pay income tax in Hong Kong, but the rates are among the best in a developed economy.
Trump has now followed his snooker rival in securing residency in the region through a ‘quality migrant admission scheme’. In a video released by Hong Kong Talent Engage, he said he was looking forward to making new friends.
« I love just being around the hustle and bustle of people, » explained Trump. « For me, I really enjoy the energy in Hong Kong, so I love to be around people and I love to see people thrive and go about their business. »
Trump was also quoted as saying that he loves everything about Hong Kong, from the food to the people and buildings. He will also get to spend more time with his girlfriend Maisy Ma, a figure skater from the region who has over 180,000 followers on Instagram.
Earlier this year, the snooker star confirmed that he was planning on turning his back on the UK to embark on a new life abroad.
« My travel plans are maybe a little bit different now than they were in the past 34 years, » he told The Sun. « There has been a lot of time spent in Hong Kong and Dubai.
« I’m happy travelling around the world, spending as little time in the UK as possible at the moment because I don’t really enjoy it as much there anymore. While I’m still reasonably young, I’m trying to make sure I have a good time off the table as well.
« I think it’s easier knowing that I don’t have the old 20-hour journey home. That helps me. I think I will be based in the Middle East now rather than in the UK. I don’t feel like you have to play in the UK anymore full-time. I really don’t. »
Trump added that while he is missed by his family, the benefits of living abroad outweigh the costs when it comes to his snooker career.
« My mum misses me, » he said. « I’m not sure about my dad! At least he gets to watch me on the TV. They will always be at the big events in the UK. It’s nice to go back and see them.
« While I’m playing well, I have to knuckle down and do what is best. Spending a lot of time in Asia before events is probably best for my snooker at the moment. It’s definitely beneficial to be away from the UK. »
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