Northern Ireland Open - Live Stream

18+ | Gamble Responsibly
Watch Live Here

Kyren Wilson ends drought with second Northern Ireland Open title

Jonathan Davies in Northern Ireland Open

Left arrow

Kyren Wilson v Jak Jones live stream | Northern Ireland Open 2026 Final preview

Wilson lifted the Alex Higgins trophy for a second time

Kyren Wilson was crowned Northern Ireland Open champion for a second time, following a dominant 9-2 victory over Jak Jones on Sunday.

The Warrior lifted the Alex Higgins trophy for the second time in three years, as he claimed his first ranking silverware in 19 months.

Wilson hit three centuries on the way to becoming only the third multiple winner of this Home Nations event, for which he pocketed the top prize of £100,000.

The 2024 World champion was just too strong for Championship League and British Open winner Jones, who missed out on a third ranking title of the season.

“I love this tournament. I love the fans in Belfast,” Wilson said. “It’s just a cracking addition to our World Snooker Tour. It always brings out the best in me.

“I felt very comfortable and very strong. My game was there today, right from the off. I felt like my long game was good as well. Just after mid-session, I found another gear. I was pleased with my scoring.

“I’m a hell of a long way off where I want to be. If I set the bar high, it gives me something to chase. I don’t want to settle on what I’ve won, I want to keep going.”

Wilson, seeking his 11th ranking title, was quick out of the blocks with a break of 101, though Jones responded with 72.

However, just like in their Crucible final showdown two-and-a-half years earlier, the Warrior pulled away in the opening session, with a magnificent 135 total clearance putting him 4-1 to the good.

Jones, who bounced back from 4-1 down against Mark Williams in the last four, countered that with a superb 130, but further runs of 67 and 105 restored Wilson’s control at the conclusion of the opening session at 6-2.

The reigning Masters champion, who recovered from 5-3 down against Sam Craigie in the semi-finals, did not relent upon the resumption of the final. Indeed, he took just 45 minutes to wrap up a commanding victory, which he sealed with a break of 75.

“It’s easy to blame myself, but Kyren’s been the best player all week,” Jones added. “He played far better than me today, so no complaints.

“I can’t complain about the start to the season that I’ve had. I think I’ve got a long way to go to get to the levels of the likes of Kyren. I’ve just got to keep practising and, hopefully, I’ll be able to compete with him one day.

“I haven’t really played well all season, but I’ve been getting results, so I’ve winged it a little bit.”