Snooker’s top stars will head to Belfast for the first time since 2019 later this year when the Waterfront Hall hosts the prestigious Northern Ireland Open.
The world ranking event was held in the iconic Belfast venue for three years in a row before the Covid-19 pandemic. WST now plan to bring the event back to Waterfront Hall and it will run from 10 - 17 October.
WST has led the sporting world in the post-lockdown return of live audiences and will continue to work closely with the UK Government on Covid-19 regulation. The safety of our fans are our highest priority and they can be assured that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure they feel comfortable, safe and enjoy the event.
The Northern Ireland will receive extensive live television coverage on Eurosport. Judd Trump has won the title in each of the last three years, and remarkably on each occasion he has beaten Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final by a 9-7 scoreline.
An incredibly strong field is once again expected, to battle for the Alex Higgins Trophy. Trump, O’Sullivan, World Champion Mark Selby, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and local favourite Mark Allen could all be in the line-up.
“It will be a fantastic thrill for all of the players and fans to bring this great event back to Belfast this year. The Waterfront Hall has gained a reputation as one of the best venues on our global circuit and it is one of those we missed the most." A WST spokesperson
"We know how passionate the fans in Belfast are about snooker and we are sure they will grasp this opportunity to get back to watching live sport."
This is a golden era of snooker and the experience of watching the best players live is quite unique.
The big question this year will be whether Judd Trump can win the trophy for a fourth year in a row, which would be an amazing achievement!
