Official: How the Last 16 Looks in the 2025 Northern Ireland Open Draw_The Top Half” A Clash of Titans and Rising Stars..
The 2025 Northern Ireland Open has reached its most intriguing phase — the last 16. The atmosphere at Belfast’s iconic Waterfront Hall is electric as the tournament begins to separate the contenders from the pretenders. With several of snooker’s biggest names still in the mix — and a few surprise packages threatening to steal the spotlight — this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the tournament’s history.
From established champions to inspired outsiders, the remaining players embody everything fans love about the Home Nations Series: drama, precision, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
🔝 The Top Half: A Clash of Titans and Rising Stars
Leading the charge in the top half of the draw is Kyren Wilson, the reigning Northern Ireland Open champion. The world number two looks in imperious form, brushing aside Ryan Day 4-1 in clinical fashion to reach the last 16. Wilson, who lifted his maiden Home Nations title at this very venue in 2024, has made no secret of his desire to defend his crown — and early signs suggest he’s more than capable.
Next up for Wilson is He Guoqiang, one of China’s rapidly emerging young stars. He has quietly impressed throughout the tournament, mixing steady composure with fearless long potting. However, facing a steely competitor like Wilson — who thrives under pressure — will be his biggest test yet.
Joining Wilson in the upper bracket is Mark Selby, the four-time world champion, who’s eyeing a deep run after a stop-start start to the season. Selby, though eliminated from Home Nations contention last year by Jack Lisowski, looks determined to make amends in Belfast. His safety game has been razor-sharp, and if his scoring clicks, few can match his tactical brilliance.
Selby faces Zhou Yuelong, another talented Chinese cueist who continues to build his reputation as one of the game’s most intelligent tacticians. Zhou’s calm temperament and patience at the table make him a dangerous opponent for anyone — even a veteran like Selby.
Rounding out the top section are Ali Carter and Jack Lisowski — two players who have been knocking on the door of major success for years. Carter, the “Captain,” produced a polished 4-2 victory over Scott Donaldson to secure his place in the last 16, while Lisowski continued his attacking form, dispatching Mark Selby in dramatic fashion during his previous round at the Home Nations Series earlier this year.
If both Carter and Lisowski maintain their rhythm, a potential quarter-final clash between the pair could be one of the highlights of the tournament.
💥 The Bottom Half: Home Heroes and Heavy Hitters
No Northern Ireland Open is complete without the roar of the Belfast crowd, and once again Mark Allen carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. The Antrim Assassin has been in sparkling touch this week, thrilling his home fans with his trademark flair and relentless break-building.
Allen’s 4-3 thriller against Ben Woollaston on Wednesday night showcased both his determination and the intense expectations he shoulders every time he plays in Belfast. “The energy from the crowd pushes me,” Allen said post-match. “There’s pressure, of course, but it’s a privilege to play here. I want to create daylight between myself and the chasing pack — especially with that huge bonus on the line this season.”
Allen now faces Hossein Vafaei, the Iranian maestro known for his rapid style and fearless shot selection. Vafaei’s progress to the last 16 has been eye-catching, with commanding wins over Anthony McGill and Xiao Guodong. Their clash promises to be a fascinating contrast in temperament and tempo — Allen’s methodical aggression versus Vafaei’s all-out attack.
Also lurking in the bottom half is Judd Trump, a two-time Northern Ireland Open champion, who has rediscovered his rhythm after a few early-season wobbles. Trump’s confidence, evident in his smooth cueing and quick-fire breaks, makes him one of the outright favorites. He faces Joe O’Connor, who continues to punch above his weight this season with a string of gritty performances.
John Higgins, the evergreen Scotsman, is also still in contention. The four-time world champion may not possess the same scoring power he once did, but his mastery of the tactical side of the game remains unmatched. Higgins will square off against Lyu Haotian, a fast-improving player who has quietly maneuvered his way into the last 16 with minimal fuss.
🇬🇧 The Home Nations Feel the Heat
Beyond the big names, this year’s Northern Ireland Open has seen a resurgence of Home Nations talent. Jordan Brown, the 2021 champion from Antrim, may have bowed out earlier in the week, but his 4-0 demolition of the reigning world champion made headlines across the sport. “I just wanted to enjoy it,” Brown said after that emphatic win. “To do it in front of a home crowd is always special.”
Meanwhile, fellow Brit Barry Hawkins continues to display his characteristic consistency, while Ricky Walden and David Gilbert have both shown glimpses of their best form. Though neither may be among the title favorites, they possess the experience to cause upsets if underestimated.
🏆 What’s at Stake
The Northern Ireland Open is not only about pride and silverware — it’s also a pivotal event in the Home Nations Series and the world ranking race. With prize money directly influencing the two-year rolling ranking system, every frame won here could shape the course of the season.
For some, like Kyren Wilson and Mark Allen, victory in Belfast could solidify their top-four status. For others, such as Zhou Yuelong or He Guoqiang, a deep run could mean career-changing momentum heading into the UK Championship and Masters.
There’s also the ever-enticing Home Nations Series bonus — a lucrative £150,000 prize awaiting any player who can win all four tournaments in the same season. While that feat remains daunting, it adds an extra layer of drama to every match.
🔮 Prediction: A Battle Between Experience and Momentum
As the last 16 unfolds, the draw remains delicately poised between seasoned champions and hungry young talents. Kyren Wilson looks the man to beat, with his balance of precision and temperament tailor-made for the Belfast stage. But Mark Allen, buoyed by home support, and Judd Trump, driven by his past success in this event, are equally formidable.
If form holds, a semi-final lineup featuring Wilson, Allen, Trump, and either Selby or Higgins would be a dream scenario for fans — a blend of current dominance and enduring class.
But as snooker often reminds us, the script is never certain. One big break, one fluke, one missed black can rewrite the story in an instant.
🎱 Final Thought
The 2025 Northern Ireland Open has once again proven why it holds a special place on the snooker calendar. The energy of the Belfast crowd, the mix of experience and youth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence all combine to make this event one of the sport’s crown jewels.
As the lights shine on the final sixteen, one thing is clear — the battle for Belfast glory is just heating up, and the next few days promise drama, brilliance, and moments that will live long in snooker memory.
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