The Warrior was in sublime form in a one-sided showpiece, crushing Jak Jones 9-2 in Belfast to join Judd Trump and Mark Allen as a multiple winner of the event
The Antrim club-mates are taking centre stage at the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open on Tuesday
In the other big game of the afternoon session, 2024 champion Kyren Wilson whitewashed Belgian Ben Mertens to canter into the last 32.
The young Irish star’s hopes ended in a 4-2 defeat to Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, while the reigning champion overcame his nerves to progress with a 4-1 victory
The defending NI Open champion, nicknamed ‘Jack-pot,’ discusses his form, impending fatherhood, and the merits of the Waterfront Hall as a potential temporary home for the World Championships
The Cork man, nicknamed ‘The Breeze,’ kicks off his campaign on Sunday against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
The Waterfront has hosted the Northern Ireland Open for the past nine years
The Antrim pair are due to meet when the action gets under way later this month, but doubts still surround the participation of Allen, who hasn’t player yet this season
The Antrim man reached seven semi-finals over the course of the 2025-26 season, winning the English Open in September
Shaun Murphy awaits the winner after coming from 15-13 behind to beat John Higgins 17-15 in the first semi-final
The Antrim man won five of the six frames in a drama-filled second session on Friday
