World champion Kyren Wilson downs Judd Trump to lift Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
World champion Kyren Wilson produced a stunning performance to beat Judd Trump and win the Northern Ireland Open for the very first time.

Wilson, who became Crucible king back in May, made a blistering start to lead 7-1 after the first session at the Waterfront Hall.

Both players traded the opening two frames of the night session, with Trump then making it 8-3 after a sensational break of 143.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, there was no stopping Wilson from lifting the trophy in frame twelve after a century of his own sealed a 9-3 win.

Kyren Wilson (right) lifted the Northern Ireland Open trophy after beating Judd Trump at the Waterfront Hall. Photo: World Snooker TourKyren Wilson (right) lifted the Northern Ireland Open trophy after beating Judd Trump at the Waterfront Hall. Photo: World Snooker Tour
Kyren Wilson (right) lifted the Northern Ireland Open trophy after beating Judd Trump at the Waterfront Hall. Photo: World Snooker Tour

In front of a packed crowd at the Waterfront Hall, Wilson peeled off a break of 62 to take the opening frame and then got a snooker he required to pinch the second in an early psychological blow for Trump, who has previously lifted the Northern Ireland Open on four occasions.

32-year-old Wilson, who had never won a Home Nations series event prior to the success in Belfast, took command of the final as he made breaks of 81, 77, 77 and 88 to lead 6-0 against a shell-shocked Trump.

Both players had chances to win frame seven but a poor safety by Trump left Wilson in and he potted the final brown and the remaining colours to go even further ahead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Trump received a good applause from the crowd as he made a break of 83 to claim the final frame of the afternoon session to trail 7-1.

The Alex Higgins trophy which was won by Kyren Wilson. Photo: World Snooker TourThe Alex Higgins trophy which was won by Kyren Wilson. Photo: World Snooker Tour
The Alex Higgins trophy which was won by Kyren Wilson. Photo: World Snooker Tour

The crowd was firmly behind Trump as the evening session started and the Englishman compiled a break of 64 which was enough to make it 7-2. However, Wilson would move one away from victory after a break of 29 did the majority of the damage in a scrappy tenth frame that lasted over 40 minutes.

Trump’s break of 143 in frame eleven was the joint-highest of the tournament but Wilson responded to claim victory with a run of 119.

Lifting the Alex Higgins trophy and pocketing the winner’s cheque of £100,000 marks the eighth ranking event title of Wilson’s career.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice