Northern Ireland Open Snooker 2026 Today: Tuesday order of play, prize money, format - when is Anthony McGill playing?
It’s day three on the baize in Belfast.
The second of the four Home Nations snooker competitions of the season is now underway in Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Open comes after the English Open (won by Ali Carter) and before the Scottish Open in December and the Welsh Open in March.
It was first held in 2016, when Mark King won the inaugural title, with this year’s tournament the 11th edition.
Judd Trump is the most successful player in the history of the tournament having lifted the trophy on four occasions.
Last year saw Jack Lisowski prevent Trump winning a fifth crown by beating him 9-8 in a nailbiting final.
And he’s back to defend his title, along with the majority of the world’s top players.
Today is the final day of last-64 clashes, with the first of the last-32 games taking place later, with the likes of Mark Williams and Zhau Xintong in action.
It comes after an opening couple of days packed with shocks, as Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O’Sullivan all made early exits.
But there was no drama for Scotland’s John Higgins, who eased through yesterday with a 4-1 win over Liam Highfield.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s play.
When is the Northern Ireland Open snooker?
The tournament takes place from October 18 to 25 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
How much money does the winner of the Northern Ireland Open Snooker get?
The total prize pot for the Northern Ireland Open is £550,400, allocated as follows.
- Winner: £100,000
- Runner-up: £45,000
- Semi-final: £21,000
- Quarter-final: £13,200
- Last 16: £9,000
- Last 32: £5,400
- Last 64: £3,600
- Last 96: £1,000
- Highest break: £5,000
There is also an extra £150,000 up for grabs for the player who wins most prize money across the four Home Nations tournaments, finishing with the Welsh Open in March 2026.
What is the order of play today at the Northern Ireland Open snooker 2026?
Here’s all the action taking place today, Tuesday, October 20.
From 10am (last 64)
- Mark J Williams [10] v Robbie Williams [53]
- Chang Bingyu [21] v Ryan Day [41]
From 1pm (last 64)
- Zhou Yuelong [17] v Michael Holt [47]
- Mark Allen [14] v Jordan Brown [63]
From 3pm (last 64)
- Zhao Xintong [3] v Gao Yang [73]
- Noppon Saengkham [28] v T Tirapongpaiboon [108]
From 7pm (last 32)
- Wang Xinbo [104] v Mateusz Baranowski [84]
- Thepchaiya Un-Nooh [20] v Kyren Wilson [9]
- Louis Heathcote [66] v Matthew Selt [46]
From 9pm (last 32)
- Jack Lisowski [1] v Anthony McGill [38]
- Joe O'Connor [29] v Ricky Walden [5]
When is Anthony McGill playing next at the Northern Ireland Open 2026?
Scotland’s Anthony McGill will be playing his last-32 match against Jack Lisowski today at 9pm.
What happened to Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Northern Ireland Open 2026?
The Rocket suffered a shock first round 4-3 defeat to world number 110 Ka Wai Cheung in the first round on Monday.
What is the format of the Northern Ireland Open snooker?
The first round sees the players seeded 65–96 take on those seeded 97–128. The winners then face the players seeded 33–64. In the third round the second round winners take on the top 32 seeds and it’s a straightforward knockout tournament from then on.
It’s the best of seven frames until the quarter finals which are the best of nine. The semi final is the best of 11 and the final the best of 17 frames played over two sessions.
The first two rounds were played earlier in the year, with rounds three and onwards taking place at the Waterfront and broadcast on television.
What Scottish players are taking part in the Northern Ireland Open?
There’s plenty of Scottish interest in the tournament, with Scott Donaldson, Anthony McGill, Stephen Maguire and John Higgins all playing in the last 64. Scott Donaldson went through after world number two Wu Yize pulled out, while Anthony McGill is also into the last 32 but at the expense of compatriot Maguire. He was joined by John Higgins on Tuesday meaning there are three Scots in the last 32.
What is the schedule for the Northern Ireland Open?
Here’s when all the action will be taking place:
- Last 64: Sunday, October 18 - Tuesday, October 20
- Last 32: Tuesday, October 20 - Wednesday, October 21
- Last 16: Thursday, October 22
- Quarter-finals: Friday, October 23
- Semi-finals: Saturday, October 24
- Final: Sunday, October 25
How can I watch the Northern Ireland Open?
There will be live coverage of the Northern Ireland Open on TNT Sports which UK viewers can stream through Discovery+.
What trophy does the winner of the Northern Ireland Open receive?
The players are competing for the Alex Higgins Trophy, named after the Belfast snooker great who claimed two world championships.
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