BELFAST — The Waterfront Hall in Belfast witnessed a flurry of high-octane snooker action on Tuesday as the Northern Ireland Open got into full swing, with defending champion Kyren Wilson and world number two Judd Trump both securing commanding victories to progress to the last 32.
Trump, the 2020 and 2021 champion of this event, delivered a blistering performance against China's Long Zehuang, dispatching his opponent with a 4-0 whitewash. The Ace in the Pack was in formidable form, compiling breaks of 53, 88, and 70 in a display that took just over an hour, sending a clear message to the rest of the field.
Meanwhile, the Warrior, Kyren Wilson, began his title defence in solid fashion with a 4-1 triumph over Scotland's Dean Young. Wilson, who claimed his first Northern Ireland Open crown last year by defeating Trump in a thrilling final, looked focused as he built his victory on a high break of 92. After the match, Wilson acknowledged the pressure of returning as the man to beat, stating, "It’s always a different feeling coming back as defending champion. There’s a bit more expectation, but I felt I handled it well out there today."
Trump's Dominant Start
Judd Trump's campaign to reclaim the trophy he lost to Wilson last year could not have begun more emphatically. From the first frame, he controlled the table, showcasing the fluid, attacking snooker that has become his trademark. His victory was a masterclass in efficiency, leaving his opponent with few realistic opportunities. Trump's performance underscored his affinity for the Belfast venue, where he has enjoyed considerable success over the years.
Reflecting on his swift victory, Trump was pleased with his early form. "I felt really good out there," he told broadcasters. "I scored heavily when I got my chances and didn’t really put a foot wrong. It’s the perfect start you want in these best-of-seven matches—get in, get the job done, and conserve energy."
Wilson's Steady Defence Begins
For Kyren Wilson, the path to back-to-back titles began with a workmanlike display against a determined Dean Young. After sharing the opening two frames, Wilson found his rhythm, pulling away convincingly. The 92 break in the third frame was a highlight, demonstrating the clean striking and tactical astuteness that guided him to the title twelve months prior.
Wilson also spoke about the unique atmosphere at the Waterfront Hall, which has become a favourite stop on the World Snooker Tour. "The crowd here in Belfast is always fantastic," he said. "They really get behind the players and create a special buzz. It’s a pleasure to play here, and it definitely gives you a lift."
Other Key Results from Tuesday
While the headlines were grabbed by the former champions, the day was not without its surprises and hard-fought battles. Several other top seeds navigated their way through, while one notable favourite suffered an early exit, reminding everyone of the tournament's unpredictable nature.
Surprise Exit for a Top Seed
In one of the day's biggest shocks, world number 13 and recent Championship League winner, Mark Selby, was sent packing by He Guoqiang. The Chinese rookie held his nerve to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over the four-time World Champion, a result that will be hailed as one of the biggest wins of his young career.
Welsh Stars Shine Bright
It was a successful day for the Welsh contingent, with both Mark Williams and Jack Jones advancing. The three-time World Champion Williams looked in fine touch during a 4-1 win over Ma Hailong, while Jones edged a tight encounter with veteran Mark Davis, also by a 4-1 scoreline.
Other notable winners on a busy day in Belfast included:
- Barry Hawkins: The Hawk soared to a 4-0 win over Muhammad Asif, crafting breaks of 71 and 81.
- Hossein Vafaei: The Prince of Persia defeated women's world champion Baipat Siripaporn 4-1.
- Tom Ford: Continued his strong early-season form with a 4-2 victory over Oliver Brown.
Looking Ahead: The Road Continues
With the first round largely complete, the tournament now moves into the last 64 and last 32 stages, where the matches become increasingly competitive. The prospect of a Trump vs. Wilson final rematch is already a tantalizing one for fans, but both players have several tough hurdles to clear first in a packed field.
Trump will face either Jamie Jones or David Lilley in his next match, and will be heavily favoured to continue his march. Wilson, meanwhile, is set for a trickier test against Scotland's Scott Donaldson. The Warrior knows that every match is a step on the difficult path of defending a ranking title. "You take it one match at a time," Wilson reiterated. "There are no easy games, so the focus has to be there from the start."
The action continues throughout the week at the Waterfront Hall, building towards what promises to be a thrilling conclusion over the weekend. With Judd Trump appearing in imperious form and Kyren Wilson looking determined to hold onto his crown, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the history of the Northern Ireland Open. The local fans are in for a treat as the world's best players battle for the prestigious Alex Higgins Trophy.
