Strong Line-Up For Snooker In Belfast

Judd Trump will be defending the title against a strong field at next month’s 19.com Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and home favourite Mark Allen among the star names in the line-up.

The tournament runs from November 11 to 17 at the Waterfront Hall Belfast and tickets are still available to see the best players in the world, starting at just £10. For details click here.

Selby won the 19.com English Open earlier this month so he’s the only player who can win the unique £1 million bonus on offer for capturing all four Home Nations titles in the same season. Victory in Belfast would mean he would need to win those in Glasgow and Cardiff to complete the clean sweep.

Antrim’s Allen, the world number seven, will be looking to improve his record in the tournament, as he has not got past the quarter-finals since the event was first staged in 2016.

Local fans will also be able to cheer on tour pro Jordan Brown, and amateurs Patrick Wallace and Declan Lavery who have been handed the two spots available for national wild cards.

World number one Trump beat O’Sullivan 9-7 in last year’s fantastic final.

The draw and format will be announced next week

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “We’re delighted to see such a strong field for what is going to be a tremendous week of snooker in Belfast. So many of our sport’s biggest names are in the draw, and what an opportunity for fans to come and see their heroes in action. With up to eight tables in play at the same time during the early rounds, fans can see a wide range of players in a single session.

“Last year’s final between Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan was one of the best we have seen on the circuit in recent years. Trump went on to become World Champion and world number one and he’ll be determined to live up to that status when he competes in Belfast. Mark Selby has no shortage of motivation as he chases the £1 million bonus, while home favourite Mark Allen will expect the support of the local crowd as he aims to reach the final weekend for the first time.

“It will be a fascinating week as these storylines unfold. The experience of watching snooker live is not to be missed!”