NORTHERN Ireland's top two snooker prospects have been handed wild cards for next month’s BetVictor Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
Robbie McGuigan, Northern Ireland champion for the past three seasons, and Joel Connolly, current U18 and U21 champion, will both be in action on day one at the Waterfront Hall on October 22 for the second successive year.
Last year they were drawn against each other in the preliminary round, with Antrim's McGuigan beating his Belfast rival 4-0. While Connolly (15) was making his debut in the event then, it was McGuigan's second appearance. He made his debut in 2019 at the same stage when he lost 4-0 to then Northern Ireland champion Patrick Wallace from Dungannon.
The pair have met many times on the amateur circuit in the last few years, most recently just last weekend, when McGuigan again prevailed (3-1) in the final of the first NIBSA U21s ranking event of the new season.
The world ranking event at the Waterfront Hall will run from October 22-29, with snooker’s biggest stars in the line-up.
Mark Allen won the title in both 2021 and 2022 and the local favourite will be determined to make it three in a row.
Most of the matches involving the top 16 seeds will be played on the opening day, Sunday October 22, which promises to be an outstanding day of snooker with many of the all-time greats in action.
Televised by Eurosport, discovery+ and a range of other global broadcasters, the event is part of the BetVictor Home Nations Series.
Tickets for the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open are on sale now and start at just £15! Visit www.wst.tv/tickets for details.
