Northern Ireland Open snooker recap - Kyren Wilson beats Judd Trump 9-3 in Belfast showdown

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It's all set up beautifully for a showdown Sunday at the Northern Ireland Open, with world No. 1 taking on world champion as Judd Trump meets Kyren Wilson. The pair are the sport's pre-eminent players at the current time, and they have impressed on their respective runs to the final in Belfast. Follow the match on Eurosport, discovery+ and on our live blog here.

‘What have you had for breakfast?’ - White dazzles with potting exhibition

Video credit: TNT Sports

WILSON TAKES NORTHERN IRELAND OPEN CROWN

That's it from the Northern Ireland Open as Kyren Wilson celebrates winning the title for his first time.

The world champion has knocked world No.1 Trump off his perch this evening and is a well deserved winner of the Alex Higgins Trophy and £100,000 first prize.

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Wilson enjoyed that century in the final frame in response to a 147 break from Trump. In the end Wilson held on from his performance in the afternoon session to win 9-3.

BATTLE ‘GOOD FOR FUTURE OF SNOOKER,’ SAYS WILSON

Northern Ireland Open winner Wilson said that the battle he had with Trump in the final is ‘good for the future’ of the game.

World champion Wilson is aged 32, while former world champion Trump is 35. The pair are number one and two in the world and Wilson says his opponent helped to raise his own game.

“I felt that the only thing missing from me today was a century, I ended up with the icing on the cake today,” said Wilson

“What Judd has been achieving lately is inspiring, to be as dominant as he has been with the sort of level of standard on Tour these days is phenomenal. I don’t know where he gets the stamina from.

“It’s got to be applauded, he makes me raise my game. I’m glad I’m up there and competing, it’s good for the future of snooker.

“My mum has just got over breast cancer, we found out about the World Championship, so to win that was amazing.

“For her to spend the week here is brilliant. She has loved it this week.”

TRUMP LOOKS FORWARD TO MORE WILSON BATTLES

Trump is looking forward to meeting Wilson in more finals after being beaten 9-3 in the Northern Ireland Open final.

“It was obviously difficult to come back from 7-1 down,” said Trump. “It was an amazing reception (from the crowd), it inspired me for one frame and then I missed an easy ball. Kyren was too good today. The way he has bounced back after winning the world championship is inspiring.

“It’s nice to see someone who is able to kick on with that. Hopefully in the future we can have many more battles.”

TRUMP 3-9 WILSON

Some brave shots from Wilson has put him in control of this frame and in a position to seal the title.

However, on 47 the cue ball drifts out of position and gives him a difficult following shot which he makes, slotting the red then brown.

Judd Trump has won the Northern Ireland Open five times, but this time it’s Wilson who clinches the title with a break of 67.

Wilson is fluent from one red onto another and is looking to finish with a big score.

The world champion fires home the yellow for his century and is not finished yet. A break of 119 but he can’t find the final black.

Wilson is a worthy winner, his eighth ranking title and second of the season.

**TRUMP 3-8 WILSON (0-35*)**

Despite being so dominant in that 11th frame Trump misses a pot on a red across the table early in the next frame.

In response Wilson sinks an equally difficult pot into the far pocket. The reigning world champion rattles an early break of 13.

After watching Trump in the last frame Wilson is taking matters into his own hands in this one with some position potting.

He eventually has to think about the position and breaks up the pack with a pot on a red.

TRUMP 3-8 WILSON

A much simpler table than the last frame allows Trump to pick off red after red.

Trump is quickly 60-4 ahead and looks unstoppable in this frame as he slots home red then black.

The world No.1 is in fluent form and it’s a clear warning to Wilson that he is still able to capitalise on any mistakes, despite being six frames behind with seven to play.

Trump reaches his century break in an impressive show of strength. He fluently reaches a break of 130 before having to hit the pink off the cushion in impressive style.

He goes on to slot the black with a 143 clearance, matching Mark Williams’ record for this tournament.

Trump equals Northern Ireland Open high break with stunning 143

Video credit: TNT Sports

TRUMP 2-8 WILSON (6*-4)

The start of the 11th frame and over three hours in this match sees Wilson miss a relatively simple red before breaking the pack of reds up with his next return to the table.

Wilson adds an early four points to get himself off the mark. In response Trump sees his effort on a red rebound off the pocket.

However, a mistake from Wilson sees the cue ball break the pack resulting in a relatively kind table for Trump, and the world No.1 having the chance for a long break.

TRUMP 2-8 WILSON

Wilson is just a single frame away from winning with Northern Ireland Open.

Trump leaves his opponent snookered with the cue ball rested on a pink.

The world champion uses the rest and plays the cue ball off the cushion to rescue the situation.

Its Wilson who slots a red, adding six to his score with the colours remaining.

Trump then misses a vital yellow to give his opponent a free ball, which would hand Wilson the frame.

The world champion slots the green frame ball and is 8-2 ahead. That miss on the yellow from Trump was very costly.

‘Goodness me’ - Trump miss allows Wilson to win 10th frame of Northern Ireland Open final

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TRUMP 2-7 WILSON (40-46)

The world No.1 makes a difficult pot on a red which was joined with two others. However, two reds are rested against the far cushion and his shot fails to break them up, finishing with a break of 13 and 35-46 behind.

The reigning champion is guilty of missing a somewhat difficult shot onto a red across the table into the far corner.

This is such a scrappy frame that neither player wants to grab hold of as Trump keeps picking out the odd red to pull back to 40-46

Wilson then chances his luck at a red off the cushion which flies off the jaws of the pocket and out.

TRUMP 2-7 WILSON (22-46)

A mistake from Trump as he came within a millimeter of hitting a red, but concedes five penalty points for failing to do so.

With the next shot the world No.2 sinks a red before questioning the position of the black with the referee. “That’s the last time I buy you a drink!” he quips.

Nothing is left on for Wilson and with the rest he plays a positional shot to the back of the table. Despite being forced to the back of the table by Trump’s subsequent shot its Wilson who adds to his score.

The reds are scattered around the table but Wilson is quick to build a lead hitting subsequent reds then blacks with a break of 39.

TRUMP 2-7 WILSON (22-5)

Trump looks in command of the table as he forces Wilson into playing some difficult positional shots from the back of the table.

However, the world No.1 is made to pay for playing at the back as the cue ball over-runs and ends up in the far pocket.

To rub salt into the wound Wilson hits the position Trump was aiming for and his shot opens up the chance of a break.

The world champion makes no mistake this time around potting the red before snookering his opponent.

Wilson can’t grab hold of the frame and is guilty of missing a red before Trump does exactly the same with the next shot. Neither player is taking control of this 10th frame.

TRUMP 2-7 WILSON (22-0)

Using the extended rest Trump slots a difficult red and onto the following black. He then picks off a red from the bunch which remain.

However, after a break of 16 Trump goes for what looked like a straightforward pot, the red bounces off and out of the pocket.

Wilson looks a bag of nerves as he also misses a relatively simple red when the opportunity was his.

TRUMP 2-7 WILSON (5-0)

Starting where he left off Trump is playing some pulsating snooker as he slots an early red into the middle pocket.

In response Wilson is not having the fortune as he tries a positional shot and fails to hit a red, conceding four points.

Another mistake from Wilson allows his opponent to add another red to his total, but the position of the remaining balls are not kind.

TRUMP 2-7 WILSON

With the rest Wilson goes for a long shot which hits the jaws of the pocket and allows Trump to wrap up the frame.

The world No.1 has exploded into life in this evening session. We could be in for a showcase fightback after all.

Trump wins the frame with a break of 64 and goes on to play some exhibition shots before missing the black, he won’t mind that.

**TRUMP 1-7 WILSON (65*-4)**

The former world champion has this frame in his grasp as he moves through the reds and onto the black each time, building his break.

Wilson is left stationary as Trump builds his advantage. Trump eventually runs out of options with the reds along one side of the table.

However, a lovely shot off the black allows him to then play a positional shot which Wilson can only return the favour.

‘Amazing’ - Trump plays superb positional shot to secure first frame of evening

Video credit: TNT Sports

**TRUMP 1-7 WILSON (8*-4)**

Trump probably gets the better reception as he comes out. The Belfast crowd probably don’t want an early finish.

Wilson misses an early red across the table resulting in some oohs and aah. In response Trump breaks the pack with a powerful shot, before seeing the cue ball roll into the middle pocket.

Every frame is important in this evening session and some tactical play develops before Trump has a very long pot onto a red, but he is short of further options.

Wilson is next to try and form a break, kissing one red onto another which hovers over the pocket but does not drop.

In response the world No.1 replies with an excellent pot off the cushion and then straight onto a blue to start his break.

'TRUMP HAS TO WIN FIRST FOUR'

The players are preparing to get back underway with the Alex Higgins Trophy to play for. Jimmy White is on hand to warm up the crowd

“To have any chance of winning tonight he (Trump) has to win the first four (frames),” said White.

“If Trump does start to play and making big breaks then the crowd will get behind him. Judd did win that last frame of the session with an 83 (break) so his game is there."

Watch and stream the Northern Ireland Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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WELCOME BACK

Hello and welcome to tonight’s evening session. Wilson needs just two frames to seal the Northern Ireland Open after dominating this afternoon’s session.

Trump will have to stage a remarkable fightback to retain his title, but surely Wilson will grab the required frames regardless.

You can tune in to watch tonight's final session on Eurosport 1 and discovery+ from 18:45

Trump might get some encouragement from winning the final frame of the first session.

In the 1991 Masters final Stephen Hendry came back from 7-0 and 8-2 down to beat Mike Hallett 9-8. Trump will need a similar historic fightback to stand any chance this evening.

World champion Wilson is looking for his second ranking title of the season after winning the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix in August, when he beat Trump 10-8 in the final.

Wilson has won seven ranking titles during his career and will bid to make it number eight tonight. Meanwhile, Trump is on 29 ranking titles and is bidding to make it number 30.

REJOIN US AT 1845...

The final will be played to a finish this evening. Wilson needs just two frames to secure the Northern Ireland Open. Can Trump pull off an incredible comeback?

Find out on Eurosport 1 and discovery+.

TRUMP 1-7 WILSON

Trump can't get the first century of the match but more importantly to him his 83 means he will not go into the evening session 8-0 down.

It is still very difficult to see him winning but if there is any player who can go on a quick-fire run to notch three or four frames it is Trump.

**TRUMP 0-7 WILSON (67*-1)**

A fine break from Trump and he is now on the board. It will be a huge relief to avoid a whitewash.

**TRUMP 0-7 WILSON (6*-1)**

Wilson misses a tough long red and Trump now has a chance to make a score, albeit the black is out of commission and the pink only available to right middle.

TRUMP 0-7 WILSON (0-1)

Trump's errant safety leaves a red over the bottom right pocket but Wilson does not get on a colour off it and plays safe.

TRUMP 0-7 WILSON (0-0)

Wilson looks shocked himself as he is once more left a mid-range opener but he jaws the left middle pocket - and to Trump's frustration leaves the reds safe.

TRUMP 0-7 WILSON

It is easy to focus on this match-us horriblus for Trump, but Wilson has played wonderfully well.

TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (61-51)

Wilson with a narrow cut, with an extended rest, pots the brown. He only needs the rest off their spots now.

TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (61-47)

Wilson pots up until the brown which is on the right cushion, and plays safe off it. The second frame was huge. The finish to this is huge-r.

TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (61-36)

A fine half-century, his first of the match. He gets the red off the cushion but he pushes it just too far to cut into the middle.

**TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (1*-36)**

He is going for everything. And missing most. But he pots a good red to give himself a chance to pull back a frame. Much-needed break isn't stating it big enough.

**TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (0-35*)**

A surprising mistake when potting the pink. He nestles into the pack and has to play away to safety with a touching ball.

**TRUMP 0-6 WILSON (0-23*)**

Same tune as the last...and the one before that...and the one before that. Trump misses a tough red, Wilson pots a tough red. And it looks like going to SEVEN-NIL!

TRUMP 0-6 WILSON

Still no century but another fine break. His biggest so far, with 88. He's missed one black off the spot. It's difficult to think of another while a frame has been live.

**TRUMP 0-5 WILSON (0-47*)**

He didn't win the frame in this visit and left a long pot on for Trump as the ball came back to D line. Trump misses the pot though and now Wilson is on to go 6-0 in front.

**TRUMP 0-5 WILSON (0-31*)**

A lot of action on the cue ball, but Wilson did not get a ball run (for once), but he pot an incredible red into the middle to continue the break.

**TRUMP 0-5 WILSON (0-9*)**

Trump leaves Wilson a narrow cut into the green pocket, but he makes it, gets on the black and now is back with his hand on the table - like it never left it.

TRUMP 0-5 WILSON

One more miss when the frame was in the bag, this time a narrow cut on the black, ends the break on 75. A bit like John Parrott in the 1991 World Final when he didn't necessarily get centuries to suggest domination but he has put in the match-winning breaks to get over the line in each instance and, like Jimmy White in that final, Trump looks like being all-but beaten after the first session.

WHITE SHOWS HE'S STILL GOT IT!

‘What have you had for breakfast?’ - White dazzles with potting exhibition

Video credit: TNT Sports

**TRUMP 0-4 WILSON (1-67*)**

Can this remorsely march to victory from Wilson be stopped? He has his fifth frame in the bank.

**TRUMP 0-4 WILSON (1-7*)**

Wilson gors into the pack off the pink which is over the pocket and gets a ball run like Bingham. The table looks great to go another frame further clear.

TRUMP 0-4 WILSON (1-0)

Trump first on the board after Wilson leaves an easy red over the pocket but he misses a cut on the pink and leaves Wilson a chance.

TRUMP 0-4 WILSON

A break of 77 in the end for Wilson. Three fifties in the first three frames for the world champ, plus that fine colours clearance to steal the second.

Wilson pinches second frame against Trump after needing a snooker

Video credit: TNT Sports

**TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (12-58*)**

He has clinched the frame and a 4-0 interval lead. Who can have expected this.

TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (9-17)

Trump with another fine long pot, but again he doesn't get the best ball run and takes a very difficult red on to continue the break only to miss it and give Wilson a fine chance for a pre-interval whitewash.

TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (9-17)

Another safety error from Trump gives Wilson a chance and then with the cue ball close to the blue he squeezes a pot into the bottom left pocket, but has no position so it is end of break.

**TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (5*-11)**

Trump's superior safety gets him a chance to put his first frame on the board. He forced a foul from Wilson and is then left a pot he squeezes into the green pocket.

TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (0-11)

We hadn't seen that before today but there Wilson misses a simple black off the spot. He is fortunate not to leave a red on for Trump.

**TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (0-11*)**

The break ends at 10 to Trump's relief, but shortly after he leaves a long straight red for Wilson and he is back at the table.

**TRUMP 0-3 WILSON (0-1*)**

A safety error from Trump gives Wilson a chance from mid-range and he makes no mistake.

TRUMP 0-3 WILSON

Wilson just fails to roll in the final red along the bottom cushion but a break of 81 is more than enough to give him a big early lead.

**TRUMP 0-2 WILSON (11-51*)**

Trump has made the eye-catching pots, but its not gymnastics, Wilson's cue ball control and consostency has beeen superior and he is closing in on a 3-0 advantage.

**TRUMP 0-2 WILSON (11-6*)**

Trump looked to have the better of a lengthy safety exchange, forcing another Wilson foul, but one poor shot gives the Warrior a chance into the green pocket - and he goes onto pot that and the blue, setting up another chance at a break.

TRUMP 0-2 WILSON (6-0)

Wilson makes one foul, then second time round leaves a red on, but once again the nothing part of the shot-to-nothing is too good and with the white behind baulk he plays a snooker.

TRUMP 0-2 WILSON (1-0)

Wilson misses a long pot and Trump then puts it in the bottom right pocket but the ball comes back beyond baulk and he plays a snooker behind the green.

TRUMP 0-2 WILSON

What a steal! On such frames, matches can swing.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (56-35)

Wilson's yellow to middle looked uncertain until the second it dropped with his weight of shot key. After a good rest shot on the green, the frame is now at his mercy.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (56-30)

Trump tries to use swerve off the bottom cushion to get out of a snooker but misses the yellow. The ball lands on the baulk so Wilson lets Trump play again.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (56-26)

Trump leaves Wilson leaving a snooker, but the frame is far from over yet. Trump misss the chance to win the frame not potting a red into the middle.

**TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (40*-20)**

Faced with a very difficult plant with the two reds a fair distance apart, Trump sees the second red roll into the middle pocket.

Trump pulls off brilliant plant against Wilson in Northern Ireland Open final

Video credit: TNT Sports

**TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (22*-20)**

Wilson leaves the red in the jaws and Trump now has the chance to take advantage.

**TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (21-6*)**

A good long pot from Wilson and an even better positional shot off the blue to put him amongst the balls and with a chance to go well beyond Trump's score.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (21-0)

Trump with his third remarkable pot of the match. This one from D cutting a red by the cushion into that dastardly bottom left pocket. Again he can't keep position though.

‘Wow, what a shot’ - Trump thunders in red in second frame against Wilson

Video credit: TNT Sports

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (17-0)

They want to look at this bottom left pocket! It kept Trump's black out in the first frame and Wilson's long red looked certain to go down only to bounce out. Trump can only add one to his score though.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (16-0)

Trump went into the pack after potting a black only to see the white cling to a clutch of reds and forcing him to play safe.

**TRUMP 0-1 WILSON (8*-0)**

Trump with another fantastic long pot to get himself starting. There is nothing wrong with his cueing today.

TRUMP 0-1 WILSON

Trump contrived to pot the red when he was trying to tuck the cue ball behind the black. Somehow the black then stuck in the jaws, with the referee poised to collect it from the pocket. This put Trump needing four snookers back and prompted him to concede.

**TRUMP 0-0 WILSON (1*-62)**

Trump needs a snooker but Wilson was one pot away from clinching the frame, only to screw too far after potting a green. Trump promptly nails a long red with the cue ball near the baulk cushion.