2025 Northern Ireland Open Draw Finalized After Intense Qualifying Stage
The qualifying rounds for the 2025 Northern Ireland Open concluded with notable victories and surprises, setting up exciting matchups in the main event. Top players like Luca Brecel and Jordan Brown advanced, while the main draw features clashes involving Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and defending champion Kyren Wilson.
The 2025 Northern Ireland Open qualifying stage wrapped up after four days of intense competition at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, with 32 players earning their place in the main tournament set to take place at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall from October 19–26.
Belgium’s Luca Brecel claimed his first win of the 2025/26 season with a dominant 4–0 victory over Liam Davies. He now faces Stephen Maguire in what promises to be a thrilling opening-round match. Home favorite Jordan Brown also advanced, defeating Mitchell Mann 4–2. Brown is likely to meet reigning world champion Zhao Xintong on the TV table.
Cork’s Aaron Hill secured his spot with a 4–1 win over Gao Yang, while other notable qualifiers include Stan Moody and Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh. Ryan Day boosted his ranking with a 4–1 win over Allan Taylor, but Matthew Stevens fell 4–3 to Steven Hallworth.
Marco Fu, a three-time ranking event winner, successfully came through two qualifying matches. Ashley Hugill, the only amateur wildcard to advance, scored an impressive win over Ricky Walden.
The main draw will see all top 32 seeds join the action. Defending champion Kyren Wilson begins against Oliver Lines, Judd Trump takes on Anthony McGill, and Zhao Xintong is set to meet Jordan Brown.
The Northern Ireland Open is the second event of this season’s Home Nations Series, with the winner receiving £100,000.