| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
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Teams
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Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
David Gilbert
Mark Selby
Robbie Williams
Li Hang
Kurt Maflin
Michael White
Scott Donaldson
Mei Xiwen
Martin O'Donnell
Jack Lisowski
Matthew Stevens
Andrew Higginson
Hammad Miah
Ricky Walden
Mark Davis
Jimmy Robertson
Chen Zifan
Dominic Dale
Hamza Akbar
Tom Ford
Zhang Anda
Yan Bingtao
Xiao Guodong
Mike Dunn
Craig Steadman
Yuan Sijun
Mark Williams
Daniel Wells
Stephen Maguire
Paul S Davison
Anthony McGill
Stuart Carrington
Noppon Saengkham
Fergal O'Brien
Zhang Yong
Mark King
Joe Perry
Adam Duffy
Robert Milkins
Zhao Xintong
Mitchell Mann
Lukas Kleckers
Stuart Bingham
Liang Wenbo
Michael Georgiou
Jimmy White
Matthew Selt
Fraser Patrick
Rod Lawler
Wikipedia - Northern Ireland Open (snooker)
The Northern Ireland Open is a professional ranking snooker tournament held in Belfast as part of the four-event Home Nations Series. The players compete for the Alex Higgins Trophy, named for the late two-time world champion who was born and raised in Belfast. The inaugural edition of the tournament was held in 2016 and was won by Mark King.
The reigning champion is Kyren Wilson.
History
Professional snooker competition was first contested in Northern Ireland in the name of Northern Ireland Classic in 1981; subsequent ranking events were held from 2006 to 2008 but have been discontinued since.
On 29 April 2015, World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn announced that the Northern Ireland Open at a Belfast venue would be added to the main tour in 2016, as part of a new Home Nations Series with the existing Welsh Open and Scottish Open, and the new English Open tournaments.
In 2017, Yan Bingtao became the youngest player to reach a ranking final. Yan came close to breaking Ronnie O'Sullivan's record of being the youngest player to win a ranking event, which had stood for 24 years, but he narrowly lost to Mark Williams 8–9 after having led 8–7. This final also featured one of the biggest age gaps between finalists as Williams was almost 25 years older than Yan. Additionally, Yan also became the first player born in the 2000s to reach the final of a ranking tournament.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Judd Trump defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 9–7 in each final. The 2020 tournament was staged outside Northern Ireland, at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom on the 2020–21 snooker season.
In 2021, Mark Allen became the first Northern Irish player to win the event, knocking out defending champion Judd Trump in the quarter-finals and beating John Higgins 9–8 in the final, after trailing 6–8. In 2022, Allen successfully defended the title, coming from 1–4 down to beat Zhou Yuelong 9–4.
In 2023, Judd Trump regained the title for a record-extending fourth time, beating Chris Wakelin 9–3 in the final. Trump reached the final again in 2024 but lost 3–9 to reigning World Champion Kyren Wilson who became the first right-handed player to win the event.
The Northern Ireland Open is a prestigious professional snooker tournament that showcases some of the best talent in the sport. Held annually in the vibrant city of Belfast, this event is part of the World Snooker Tour and attracts top players from around the globe, making it a highlight of the snooker calendar.
Since its inception, the Northern Ireland Open has gained a reputation for its competitive spirit and thrilling matches, drawing in passionate fans and snooker enthusiasts alike. The tournament is played in a knockout format, culminating in an electrifying final that often features dramatic moments and high-stakes play.
Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's rich cultural heritage, the tournament not only celebrates the sport but also the local community, with various events and activities designed to engage fans of all ages. The atmosphere in the arena is electric, as spectators cheer on their favorite players in a showcase of skill, strategy, and precision.
With its blend of world-class snooker and local charm, the Northern Ireland Open is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport that brings together players and fans in a shared love for the game. Whether you're a seasoned snooker aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, the Northern Ireland Open promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and drama.