Judd Trump has warned Ronnie O'Sullivan that he is coming to take his world No 1 ranking before the end of the season.
Trump won his fourth title of the campaign at the German Masters on Sunday and is looking forward to more battles with the Rocket.
O'Sullivan has also won four tournaments since the start of the season last June, including winning the first two Triple Crown events.
The 48-year-old won the UK Championship in December before lifting a record-extending eighth Masters title in January.
Judd Trump has warned Ronnie O'Sullivan that he is coming for his world No 1 spot
Getty/WST
O'Sullivan is currently on a break from competing and pulled out of the German Masters to focus on his 'health and wellbeing'.
Trump, who lost to O'Sullivan in the final of the World Grand Prix last month, took advantage of the seven-time world champion's absence in Berlin.
He beat Si Jiahui 10-5 in Sunday's final to lift the 27th ranking event title in his career.
Trump won three tournaments last October at the English Open, Wuhan Open and Northern Ireland Open and has carried that form into 2024.
He is delighted with the way he is playing and has warned O'Sullivan that he will battle him all the way to finish the season on top of the rankings.
Trump told the WST: "Yeah it's nice to be playing well all season long really.
"I've not had many bad events and it's nice to be up there challenging again for that No 1 spot come the end of the season.
"If me and Ronnie keep that same form, it'll be a good battle and hopefully we can meet in a few more finals before the end of the season."
Trump is currently the world No 2 but is very much in with a chance of catching O'Sullivan before the season ends in May.
The 34-year-old says he has used criticism of him in recent years as inspiration to win more tournaments.
Trump added: "After the last couple of seasons, where I haven’t been winning four, five or six titles, people have been very quick to point that out. It is nice to do it again this season.
"Maybe hearing what some people say off the table pushes me to the level where I am able to produce it week in and week out. I have always been very dedicated.
"When you come to venues like this [in Berlin] it just ignites something and brings back the passion that I had as a kid."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- 'I will fight you' - Tyson Fury's dad calls out Carl Froch for Wembley bout as boxing feud reaches new level
- Darts star rejected chance to play big part in Luke Littler's career - 'I'm all for myself'
- 'He will regret that' - England cricketer Joe Root feels wrath of former players after India win second Test
Judd Trump won his fourth tournament of the season at the German Masters
Getty
Trump and O'Sullivan will be among the top contenders to win the World Snooker Championship, which takes place in Sheffield in April and May.
O'Sullivan said last month that the tournament format makes Trump the favourite.
He said: "Sheffield is a different animal and is three sessions. When you're playing different opponents, you can get geed up easier.
"You put that match behind you and reset, but when you're facing the same opponent over three or four sessions, you don't really get that reset feeling.
Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Judd Trump in the final of the World Grand Prix last month
Getty
"To win in Sheffield, usually apart from 2020, being steady gets the job done. If I can find a bit of steadiness, then I've got a chance.
"Judd is a warrior and for me he is favourite for Sheffield, but I have three months to try to get some consistency in my game. It will be nice to go there and enjoy it."
