JUDD Trump got his 2011 PartyPoker.com Premier League campaign off to a dream start by beating Matthew Stevens to win his first mini-league.

The 22-year-old, playing in front of his home crowd in Weston-super-Mare, was playing in his second Premier League campaign – two years ago he arrived as a relative unknown and finished second in the table before losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals.

Trump, who recovered from an indifferent twelve months to finish runner-up in this year’s World Championship, took less than 40 minutes to defeat Stevens in the final.

He looked at ease as he took the first frame with a run of 38, and an entertaining 81 in the next put him two up with a possible three to play. Stevens, who has already won a Premier League mini-tournament this season, failed to make the most of opportunities in the next and Trump returned with a 49 to win 3-0.

The victory earns Trump a maximum six points and afterwards he was clearly relieved to have got off to such a strong start. He said: “I’m delighted really, coming into the event so late.

“That’s a good start and I need to get back in the mix over the next couple of weeks to get up there.”

“The second match is a lot easier; in the first you’re getting used to the conditions and there’s more pressure. In the second you can enjoy it.”

“Matt was playing the better snooker, he dominated the semi-final. It’s always important to get in front against the top players as it gives you the confidence.”