LEICESTER — Stephen Maguire claimed his first ranking title in over three years, defeating Joe O'Connor 3-1 in the final of the 2025 Championship League at the Morningside Arena in Leicester. The victory marked a triumphant return to form for the 44-year-old Scot, who last lifted a ranking trophy at the 2022 Gibraltar Open.
Maguire, a former world No. 2, showcased his trademark break-building and tactical prowess throughout the tournament, culminating in a composed performance against the rising Englishman O'Connor. "It feels amazing to get over the line again," Maguire said in his post-match interview. "I’ve put in a lot of work, and to see it pay off means everything."
A Dominant Run to the Title
Maguire entered the Championship League—the first ranking event of the 2025/26 season—as an unseeded player but quickly established himself as a contender. His campaign included standout victories over:
- World No. 12 Gary Wilson (3-1 in the group stage)
- Former champion Kyren Wilson (3-2 in the semi-finals)
- Tournament favorite Judd Trump (3-0 in the group decider)
His consistency was remarkable, averaging a break-building efficiency of 78%, including five century breaks across the event. "I’ve been striking the ball well for months, but it all clicked this week," Maguire reflected.
The Final: Maguire vs. O'Connor
O'Connor, 29, had been in fine form himself, defeating reigning world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the group stages. The Leicester crowd rallied behind the local favorite, but Maguire's experience proved decisive. The final unfolded as follows:
- Frame 1: Maguire 101-22 (Century break: 107)
- Frame 2: O'Connor 78-34 (Key clearance under pressure)
- Frame 3: Maguire 89-16 (Controlled safety play)
- Frame 4: Maguire 64-51 (Tactical battle sealed on the final black)
O'Connor, gracious in defeat, praised Maguire’s resilience: "Stephen was just too good when it mattered. I had my chances, but he shut me out in the key moments."
What This Means for Maguire’s Season
The £33,000 winner’s prize propels Maguire back into the world’s top 16, securing his place in next month’s invitational Shanghai Masters. More importantly, it reaffirms his ability to compete at the highest level after a lean spell. "I never doubted I could still win," he said. "This is just the start—I want more."
Key Takeaways from the Tournament
The 2025 Championship League highlighted several emerging trends for the season ahead:
- Young talents like O'Connor and Si Jiahui are closing the gap on established stars.
- The format’s round-robin structure rewards consistency over fluke results.
- Veterans (Maguire, Mark Williams) remain formidable in best-of-five clashes.
Looking Ahead
With the UK Championship just weeks away, Maguire’s resurgence adds intrigue to an already stacked field. O'Connor, meanwhile, climbs to a career-high No. 28, signaling his potential for a breakthrough season. "If I keep playing like this, the trophies will come," O'Connor told BBC Sport.
For Maguire, the victory is a testament to perseverance. "People wrote me off, but I’ve still got the hunger," he said, lifting the trophy. "This one’s for everyone who kept believing."
