Dave Henson: Kyren Wilson-Judd Trump rivalry represents bright future in ‘golden age’ of snooker after NI open success
By Dave Hendon
Published 28/10/2024 at 13:37 GMT
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It was a thrilling week of snooker at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, culminating with an emphatic 9-3 victory for Kyren Wilson against Judd Trump in the final. Wilson is continuing his fine form after winning the world title, but continues to be pushed all the way by Trump in this enthralling rivalry. The sport of snooker also appears to be on the way up, attracting healthy crowds.
‘He makes me raise my game’ – Wilson says Trump rivalry ‘good for future of snooker’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Kyren Wilson’s victory in the Northern Ireland Open was another personal triumph for the likeable world champion and illustrates the vibrant health of professional snooker after a truly memorable week in Belfast.
Large and enthusiastic crowds inside a modern venue in the heart of an historic city created a terrific atmosphere, and playing conditions were top-notch. The players were therefore inspired to do what they do best: play brilliant snooker.
Day-by-day, different narratives formed until the world’s two highest ranked players met in the final, where Wilson raced into a 7-0 lead over Judd Trump before going on to clinch a thumping 9-3 victory.
It says much about the essential decency of the Wilson family that his two sons, Finley and Bailey, rushed up to Trump to give him a hug in the moments after the final.
His mother, Sonya, who recently recovered from breast cancer, was proudly watching on too, while brother Taylor, in his corner at every event, joined in the celebrations.
How much sweeter the victory must have been for Wilson to be surrounded by his nearest and dearest.
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He is one of modern snooker’s most relatable champions, an ordinary man made good. He does not seek to project an image: real life keeps him grounded.
He became only the sixth time world champion to win multiple ranking titles the following season. Trump picked up six in 2019/20, an impressive feat that Wilson can now target.
There are only two years between these green baize titans and their rivalry could come to define the coming years. They are both hungry, both driven and can inspire each other to work even harder.
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Wilson seals Northern Ireland Open final win over Trump with century break
Video credit: TNT Sports
There’s no doubt the audience were also stars during the week, with the players genuine in praising the venue and its atmosphere. The Waterfront Hall is firmly established as one of the most popular places to play snooker, but a lot of work goes into drumming up interest ahead of events.
It is to their credit that World Snooker Tour (WST) has substantially increased ticket sales across the board in recent times.
There’s footage of the 1990 World Championship where crowd favourite Alex Higgins is introduced to a great roar from his fans. Then the camera cuts to the other table and there are about 30 people in the audience and row upon row of empty seats.
Among many myths about the so-called ‘golden age’ of snooker is that there was never a seat to be had. In fact, it was relatively easy to secure tickets for major events 30 years ago. These days, you have to get in early.
In Belfast, they were brilliant value. It was £25 for an all-day ticket – 14 hours of non-stop snooker featuring a galaxy of names, including several world champions. For major events such as the World Championship and Masters, prices have risen steeply, but this is how supply and demand works.
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‘Amazing’ - Trump plays superb positional shot to secure first frame of evening
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Northern Ireland Open also underlined the continuing importance of the UK heartlands at a time when the WST are understandably looking to the outside world to grow the sport.
The World Grand Prix will be held this season in a huge new complex in Hong Kong – a big change from Leicester – while Saudi Arabia is staging two big-money tournaments. Spreading the global gospel and going where promoters want to invest in snooker is good for the sport and makes economic sense, but the British market remains strong.
Players have every right to question decisions made over scheduling, formats, the ranking system and other playing matters, but a cursory glance at their bank balances should set the minds of the game’s biggest names at rest.
They are busy chasing down substantial first prizes in parts of the world they may never have seen but for being proficient at potting balls and are being handsomely rewarded if successful. Trump is likely to make £1 million for the season before Christmas.
The game has never been as competitive, and therefore tough, but opportunities are at an all-time high. There will have been 11 ranking events this season by the end of 2024, more than there were in any single season until 2014. Seven more are scheduled for the first half of 2025, three of which form part of the elite Players Series which recently received a prize money boost of nearly £500,000.
Alex Higgins, in whose honour the Northern Ireland Open trophy was named, won £480 for becoming world champion in 1972. There were no TV cameras present and the final was played at a British Legion club in Birmingham.
Professional snooker has been on a long journey ever since and hasn’t always taken the right roads, but its popularity has sustained it through the dark times. Now, with more stable management, increased international appeal and a higher number of players than ever capable of producing stellar performances, its immediate future looks bright.
The Wilson-Trump rivalry, together with the emergence of younger talents and the continuing threat from the older legends, gives fans plenty of storylines to follow.
Whisper it but maybe this, right now, is actually the golden age.
Watch and stream the International Championship live on Eurosport and discovery+
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