Kyren Wilson wins Northern Ireland Open with 9-2 victory at Waterfront Hall

Kyren Wilson secured his second Northern Ireland Open title with a 9-2 win over Jak Jones at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Sunday 25 October. The Englishman collected the Alex Higgins Trophy and £100,000 after wrapping up the final in just three evening frames, LoveBelfast reports.

The victory brought Wilson his 11th ranking title, ending a wait of more than 19 months since his success at the 2025 Players Championship. Ranked ninth in the world, he had faced the risk of dropping outside the top 16 this season.

Three centuries put Wilson in control

Jones had also lost to Wilson in the 2024 World Championship final. In Belfast, an opening break of 101 put Wilson ahead before Jones drew level. Wilson then won three successive frames, making 135 along the way.

A clearance of 130 from Jones narrowed the gap to 4-2. Wilson responded by taking both remaining afternoon frames, including a 105 break, for a 6-2 advantage.

The seventh frame also brought a lighter moment for the crowd when Jones requested a toilet break during play. Wilson spent the pause studying the snooker he had set.

Jones could not convert his opportunities when play resumed at 7pm. Wilson won every frame of the evening session and completed the victory shortly after 8pm.

Both finalists had needed deciding frames in their semi-finals. Jones beat Mark Williams 6-5 close to midnight on Saturday 24 October, while Wilson overturned a 5-3 deficit against Sam Craigie.

Belfast dates confirmed for 2027

The tournament marked a decade in Belfast this year. LoveBelfast described the Waterfront Hall crowd as helping make it one of the tour’s liveliest weeks.

WST has confirmed that next year’s event will take place at the same venue from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 October 2027. Early bird tickets start at £14 plus a booking fee for sessions from Sunday to Wednesday. That offer ends at noon on Sunday 17 January 2027.

Source: LoveBelfast